My 1993 F150 4.9L manual suddenly will not start. I've had no symptoms leading up to this. Prior to this I've replaced a ton of ignition parts (coil, distributor, plugs, etc) to get it running again. Since then I've put a good 1k miles on her (she's at 281k miles).

I went out and when I try to start it there is just one loud "click" coming from the starter relay. This was replaced approximately four years ago before the truck sat for nearly 3.5 years before I got it (hand me down for free if I could get it running). My dad said the starter was a refurbished one that was installed 4-5 years ago.

Battery is good, it is brand new. Alternator is brand new as well. Could it be a bad relay? I've heard these have a tendency to not last very long.

Thanks everyone!

 

Sounds like a relay, starter, ground, dirty contacts.

 

Agreed with 5Rangers but first thing I'd check is the ground connection on the negative cable to the engine block. Judging on the year of your truck and the symptoms coming on suddenly. If that doesn't do it I'd re-check all cable connections from battery terminals to the starter before replacing any components.

 

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