When I turned the key nothing hapened except the lights in the dash came on. It appeared that the battery was dead and the engine would not turn over. With the key in the on position I was able to short the positive terminal on the starter to ground and I got it started.This has happened 3 times to me and I have taken it it to the dealership after I got it started and they told me that unless it happens right then they don't have any idea on whats going on. I don't want to get stranded and I am tired of paying $80.00 each time to have ford say that they could not find anything wrong.
Does anyone have any ideas on this problem? Could the chip in the key be going bad and not letting the reader in the ignition read it?
thanks, Dale

 

It's not the chip in the key (assuming you have PATS) installed. If the PATS system was the issue, the engine would not run at all since PATS disable the ignition system when it doesn't read the chip in the key.

I seriously doubt that you're connecting the hot lead to ground. Doing so would cause significant arcing, smoke, and fire.

You might be more specific on what exactly you did to start the engine.

FWIW, it sounds a lot like a starter relay or ignition switch issue than anything else since you obviously have been able to get the starter to crank the engine. The relay is located under the plastic cover adjacent to the battery along with the megafuses.

Steve

 

Hello Steve, thanks for the feedback.
I took all of the wires of off the starter and wire brushed them to make sure I was getting a good connection and put them back on. I tried to start the truck with the key and no luck. I then took a pair of insulated handled pliers and with 1 end on the positive stud of the starter and the other on the starter housing was able to start the engine. I might add that the starter was replaced by ford 1 year eariler. I am going to look at the relay however and maybe replace it. I am no mechanic but am getting nowhere with the dealership. thanks ,Dale

 

When it won't start, pull the trigger wire off the starter solenoid and check for 12V there. (Should be the red w/ blue wire IIRC) If you've got power coming from the switch to the starter solenoid on the firewall, check for power on both large terminals with the key in the start position. If power is getting through the solenoid, check for power at the starter end of the cable, and on the starter terminal.

I suspect the cable has corroded up inside the insulation.... common problem.

-Joe

 

Just wanted to say that I found the problem. It was the starter solonoid that was on the firewall.Cost all of $8 dollars to replace it. Ford dealership wanted $80 just to look at it and they did not find the problem. Thank you guys for your help and I hope someone else can learn something and save some money from this post.
Thanks,
Dale in Michigan

 

I had the same problem, put in a new solenoid and it started. No more than 10 minutes ago, I tried to start it again, NO LUCK. Any ideas. 2000 F150, 4.2 V6

 

Hope yer going back to the dealer to get your $80 back.

 

By the way, you get the same thing if you have an alarm, with starter disconnect, and it auto arms.
Chris

 

Actually it will crank, but no spark.