Hello to all,

This is my first post and was wondering if I had chosen the right section for this question. I recently purchased an 04 Lariat SCREW 4x4 the other day and I went out of town for the weekend and when I came back the Truck wouldn't start. I am really new to Fords, I have prior to this buy have owned all the other major American Brands but for Fords I am a newbie. Here's the problem... I began by going to Autozone to see if they would test the battery, starter, and the battery cables. The guy assured me it was starter given some "problem" with this model year; I don't know, so I took it with a grain of salt, bought the starter and began to attempt to change it out. With a little luck and some jerry-rigging I was able to get the first two bolts out but with much difficulty. However, for the life of me I was unable to manage to get the last bolt out. Is there some Ford specific tool designed to remove the third bolt or is there an easier way that any of you have found or should I start my search elsewhere, perhaps with the battery or its cables? Any information would be greatly appreciated, I really do like the Truck though I hadn't really liked Fords before I got it, but I am unsure as to why it would not start. Once again any help would be appreciated.

 

I don't know about a 4x4 but here is an easy method for the 4X2.

Remove the right front wheel and then remove the inner plastic wheel well liner. Use a 12 " or longer extention with a universal and a socket or a universal socket. You should be able to get the bolt out that way without a lot of trouble. To replace that bolt I use hot mely glue to hold the bolt into the socket.

 

Thanks for the help,

It turns out that I was an idiot, I talked to my friend who owns a 1985 Ford Bronco w/ a 351 Cleveland and he helped me out. I forgot to test the battery first and foremost to see if it was dead. Yup it was, replaced it and F150 started right up. I really got to learn more about this vehicle