98 won't start - things I've tried...
 

Hey kids, newbie to the board... :help:
My 98 F150 4.2L (115,000 miles) will not start, and gave no signs it was about to fail. Turned the key and got somewhat of a single 'cough' and nothing; subsequent tries would result in just a 'click'.
Here is a list of things I've tried along with comments & questions:

-new battery (checked/verified full power)
-starter motor checked (passed)
if the starter passed testing, was the solenoid (attached to the starter motor) checked along with it?
-alternator checked (passed putting out 13-14 amps)
-starter relay on firewall replaced (not needed; I learned from this board how to test by jumping. Also ran a jumper from the positive battery terminal to the relay to test)
-replaced fuel filter.
-checked every fuse in the truck (but I don't know how to test a 'fuse/relay')
-tried starting with the (automatic) transmission in neutral.

All of these things resulted in the same 'single cough', then nothing.
One strange note: after replacing the fuel filter, it actually turned over several times, then stopped. And didn't do that any other time.

Any connection I can see or have uncovered do not seem to have any corrosion, but I know corrosion could be an issue somewhere I can't see.

Any suggestions a novice mechanic can try next?
Replies or not, this board is one heck-of-a resource :bows:
Thanks everybody!

-BKFZ1

ingition switch
 

I pulled the ignition switch and tested. The pin moves as it should along with the 'spring loaded' start position of the pin. Continuity was tested in each position - all passed.
And the strange thing happened again: it turned over a few times, one cough, then nothing.

-BK