I believe my starter is going bad and I am two months out of warranty so I have to fix this one myself. Three times in the last two weeks I have gotten into the truck, turned the key and nothing happens. No click, crank, nothing. I do have electric though. Radio, lights, everything works. Then after a couple of minutes of turning the key the truck cranks and fires right up like normal. It kind of seems like the starter is sticking or something, IDK. Maybe an ignition wiring problem also but I am not sure. Any suggestions or help diagnosing will be greatly appreciated and rewarded with . Thanks guys. I don't want to drive the truck right now in case she doesn't start.

 

BTW very nice truck...

I'd say your starter is going to give out in the next few weeks. I'd think about replacing it as soon as possible, but that's IMO and you should see a professional first cause i could be wrong. The way your describing it sounds alot like what happend to my brother when he had an 04 .

 

Just a thought but I would clean the battery terminals first and then get under it and check and tighten the cable at the starter. The connections can be dirty and you will still get interior lights but not enough juice to turn the starter. Might save you some $$

 

Check the TSBs, there is one about faulty connectors at the starters.

It happened to my brother...

 

Thanks guys. I will check alll connections again but they all seemed clean and tight, but I didn't put a wrench on them.

How do I check for TSB's? I'm not sure how to look them up. or should I just contact the dealer and they can check it?

Thanks again for the help.

 

You can bench test starters.If the connections are good pop off the starter and take it to a local auto parts house and have them test it.It sounds like the solinoid is givin out.

 

Good advice, That's what I would do first. But if that don't cure your problem, a new starter may be around the corner. You might try an extra spare key also.

 

Thanks again guys. I will try to clean all contacts this weekend and try it again.

I was also thinking possibly the solenoid but maybe someone can tell me if it is built into the starter on our trucks. The other day when I was looking around I guess I didnt see it.

Since it is only happening sometimes I didnt know if the bench test would show anything. I'll keep you posted.

 

Do you hear a click in the right kick panel?
That is where the central junction block is. The starter relay is in there.
I seem to remember the 04's having a problem with the central junction block going bad and causing a no start.
Parts are too expensive now a days to just start throwing things at it trying to fix it.
A easy way to diagnose a bad starter is next time it happens have somebody hold the key in the crank position while you crawl under the truck and smack the starter with a hammer. If it cranks over when you hit it you know the starter is bad.

 

had a similar problem with our '95 f150 a few months back. it acted like it was a bad connection and would randomly start or not. cleaned the connections first, seemed to help fpr a few days. replaced the solenoid because it was so cheap, but it didnt help. eventually had to replace the starter and havent had any trouble since. try cleaning the connections, but be prepared to have the starter replaced...

 

I would just go and trade it in.....

 

With all of your money I am sure you would.

 

Up early aren't you.....Call me.