OK so we have a 98 F150 with a V8 (all stock). The caliper locked up and the truck went to the dealer for some work. When we went to pick it up it needed a jump for some reason (no battery problems before that). Drove it home no problem and drove it a couple times after that within the next 2 days. We went out of town for a week and when we got back the truck wouldn't start. We have gotten a new battery and solenoid and checked all the fuses...THE ENGINE WILL NOT CRANK AT ALL! Don't know the next step so we are counting on you guys for any help you can give. Thanks ahead of time for any responses.

 

Shimmy under the truck and inspect the wiring at the S-terminal on the starter, this is the smaller wire that's held onto it's stud by a 10mm nut. I've seen a lot of these recently that broke. Also, if you've got a test light, clip one end of your test light to the B+ terminal on the starter (the big fat one from the battery) and touch the other end to the S-terminal while someone turns the key to start. See if it lights up.

 

Quintin is right about that cable on the starter. My 1997 was acting last year and it ended up being that "S" terminal. I bought a new starter and cable (battery to starter) because that was toast also.

Replacing the starter wasn't all that bad. The hardest part was getting that top bolt back in and tightened. I just laid under the truck and took my time.

 

ok thanks for the help so far BUT no dice...got under the truck and inspected the S- terminal and everything looked to be in good shape. We went out and got a test light and hooked it up as per Quintin's instructions (one end of the test light to the fatter terminal and the other end to the skinny one). The light was on while it was hooked up without the key being turned. When we turn the key the light goes off...is this supposed to be what happens?? If there are any more suggestions it would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks guys.

 

I think you're stabbing the wrong terminal if the test light lit up without the key on. I think you hit the starter ground terminal. The terminals should be arranged something like:

(G) for ground

-------> (S) for start.

(B+) for battery voltage

If viewed from the front of the truck.

 

it would be the sarter i had the same problem with all my trucks so sometimes tap on the starter a few times they get hung up that does the trick somtimes

 

Yea I have already gotten the BFH out and tried tapping on it but nothing happened. Thanks for the input and keep it coming PLEASE

 

I'd bet money your starter is bad. Mine died in October with no warning. I started by replacing the solinoid first. That wasn't the problem, so I pulled the starter and had it tested. Unfortunately I managed knock the thing around enough getting it out that and it tested fine. I put it back in and it still wouldn't work. A couple good taps on the starter housing with the handle of a big screwdriver and I was able to get the truck started. I pulled it again, got a new one and have not had a problem since.

The starter is pretty simple to replace, but accessing two of the three bolts that mount it can be difficult.

Good luck.

 

with my 99 it was the ignition switch. all accessories worked ok, but no starter.

 

also, i found out he hard by replacing the starter. and the replacement starter from the local discount parts pulls a lot of amps and is weak. You will need lots of patience, socket extensions and a universal to deal with that top bolt when you eventually find it. in my case i (99 f150) i followed the switched pos wire from the starter to the firewall passenger side, and tested from there. If need be dont go to the discount chain. gl

 

Thanks guys....yea we were trying not to replace the starter just yet in case it doesn't do the job and it becomes more money spent for no reason but I guess we don't have much of a choice at this point.

Quintin- we jacked it up and got the tire off so we could check if I was hitting the correct terminal and I'm positive that I am. No matter which terminal I touched the test light lit up without the key being turned and the light goes out when we turn the key....maybe this could be the problem?

Also, where would the ignition switch be and is there any way to test it to see if it is bad? Thank you all SO much and hopefully we will be able to get this thing running soon

 

stocker...my guess is that you have the wrong wire. the ign. switch will disconnect any additional load on the batt. like accessories /headlights or ac clutch during startup. could be why the light is going out when in start position.