I believe its my starter.

My truck has been having trouble starting lately. I turn the key and it does nothing. I have to turn the wheel from side to side to get it to start. Any of yall think it is the starter? If not what is it? How much to get it fixed or is it easy to fix myself?

1989 F-150 V8

 

The part about turning your wheel is strange. Make sure the wire going to your starter is tight. I don't see any other way turning your wheels would affect this

 

Later models (possibly yours too) have a steering lockout or something of that nature that prevent starting (hotwired). It may be that you have a fault in that circuit.

 

Just a thought. I had the same problem on my 97 and if you remove the black cover on the top left side of the firewall (mounted electrical block to the right of the battery). You will see a plug that slides on to a bolt, remove it and replace it. Im not sure but I think this is the starter relay block. I will try to obtain a picture if I am not clear in my explaining.

 

Good possibility it is your ignition switch, these tend to go bad due to heavy key chains dangling from the switch.

If that isn't the problem i would check all battery, solinoid and starter connections. Make sure they are CLEAN and tight. Sometimes the battery ground corrodes internally.

That should keep you busy

 

Its not my keychain being heavy. I only have 3 keys on it. This problem Ive been having only a couple of weeks but the last couple of days have been really bad. I have no idea where to start. Heavy hauler I would appreciate a picture. I have a Haynes manual so I will take a look at it tomorrow.

By the way, I make a 150 mile round trip to Albuquerque twice a week. Me driving that far wont hurt it will it?

Also, a couple of years ago the circuit that controls the horn, cigarette lighter & cruise control went out. I replace it when it blows out. That only happens when the horn gets pushed (it doesnt make any noise, but it blows the fuse). But the cruise & lighter work fine. Could that have anything to do with it? I doubt it since it has been over 2 years.

 

Put your truck in P and go short the starter relay solenoid. If the starter works the fault is between the ignition switch and the solenoid.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier