I have a 98 F150 4.6. Today at lunch I put the key in the ignition and turn, but nothing happens not a sound. The dash lights, radio, a/c all come on but thats it. I let it sit for about 45 minutes and it fired right up. Took it down to the mechanic and he said possibly the battery cables or starter was causing the problem. He changed both and it ran fine for about 3 hours. I just tried to start it up and the same problem - it does not even try to turn over, but the dash lights, radio, etc... come on. I noticed that the door lights will dim when I turn the key. Any ideas????

 

UPDATE!

After letting the truck sit for a good 1.5 hours it now starts right up with no problem. Could something be overheating?

 

Automatic or Manual?

 

Automatic.

 

try checking the female connection at starter motor.At least twice a yr I get same type thing,spray contact cleaner on coonector ,take a pick and make the tab and crimp tighter as well as wire brush male spade on starter.Usually good for bout 4-6 months afterwards

 

I'll try it out tomorrow. Thanks for the help!

 

Hmm.. once that happend to me, and everyone thought it was battery terminals & starter, etc.. Come to find out, it was a little pin that was inside the steering column.. that when you turned the key ALL the way over, it pushed in a little button that started the truck.. We found out that the little pin was broken, and sometimes wouldnt push all the way in..

And boy was it an ordeal to replace... but I hope that is not your problem...