Hi All,

Picked up my new Lariat Screw last night, and it's back at the dealer today! I didn't even have it for 24 hours.

I am wondering if anyone else has encountered this, it had me thinking for a while because I didn't want to look like an idiot before I called the dealer.

The truck simply would not start this morning. I had plenty of juice, but when you turned the key, you got one click, and that was it. Thinking it wasn't in park properly, I stuck it in neutral and let it roll back, made sure it was in park, and same thing. Ok, now I'm thinking security, so I switch with the wife's keys, make sure the alarm LED goes off after 3 seconds (as per manual) and still no luck. I know it's not the fuel pump, it doesn't even try to turn over. A quick look over the fuses found nothing.

I finally gave up and called the dealer, they had no idea and suggested I called roadside, which I did. The tow truck guy shows up and knows exactly what it is (he's got a few calls up here about it). Apperently the starter motors in these have a tendency to freeze...he gave it about 10 quick igntition attempts, one after the other, and away it went. He also says he applied forward pressure on the console shifter,as he's seen them have problems with some the safety interlock (which I tried with no luck).

Anyway, I brought it in to the dealer to have a look, as the wife won't be too happy if this happens to her at the ol' grocery store with the young ones!

Has anyone else seen this? I hope it's not a sign of things to come...

Thanks All!

 

Thats a new one on me.

The click is important though. Was it a starter solenoid click or a click from inside the truck/dash?

 

In Virginia you have 3 days after the sale to take the truck or car back and get all your money. However only my wife has been able to actully do this..., lol

 

Someone posted a problem just like this a few days ago and his was towed to his dealership. Do not recall the resolution being posted.

Screwdrive

 

Hey Blitzkrieg,

Both actually...one click from what assume to be the starter, and another followed immediately from the fuse panel area. I doubt the dealer will be able to reproduce the problem, so I'll let you all know how I make out the next couple of days. This truck has been sitting at this dealer since October - maybe I just found out why!

Cheers!

 

Don't get discouraged. Sometimes things happen.

The battery had a good charge, yes?

 

Sure did. I wish it was that though, I could live with that Here's hoping it's a one time thing...I don't know what's worse, losing my truck after the first day, or listening to my wife tell me "I told you so" (She's an import fan). LOL. She thinks it's real funny now as they gave me a Focus as a loaner. Nothing against the car - but it isn't a F150.

 

They are great trucks bro. You got a glitch and the dealer will figure it out.

I'm not gonna ramble on about how many cars and what types I've owned, but I will say this 2004 FX4 in my garage is rapidly becoming one of my favorites of all. The truck is so very, very right. Some will know what I mean.

Let the dealer fix it and then life goes on.

 

Hey there.

 

Hey there. I would assume its cold there. And I'm sure they washed your rig before delivery. I work as a tech at a Ford dealership in Alaska. We run into this problem occasionally. The moisture builds up inside the starter either from being washed or just the climate change from coming inside from cold weather into a heated shop. Then when you take it outside the moisture freezes inside the starter. You may be able to convince the dealer. Nicely, works best...but aggressively if needed. to replace your starter. Replacment isn't really needed but alot easier for you than trying to dry out the starter. Good Luck. If it happens again you could heat the starter if you have some sort of heat. Believe it or not we run an exhaust hose from the tow truck to the starter. Run it on high idle for 2 minutes and boom it start fine.

Dave

 

Hi Arcticcold,

Thanks for the reply, I think you've probably nailed it. Got the truck back today, the dealer could not replicate the problem. FYI it was about -14c that night, definelty below freezing. Thanks again all for your feedback !!!!