I have a small problem with my starter, or something starter related maybe. This is what happens; I get in my 97 f150 4x4 and turn the key. 20% of the time my truck starts on the first try, but the other 80% of the time, it just clicks and the truck doesn't start. So I then put the key back in the off position and try again. Most of the time it takes around 5 tries to start my truck, but have had it as many as 12. Very seldom does it take one or two tries. I have put up with this for 6 months now and am getting tired of it. I have never had it to where it just completely did not start after many attempts. I was wondering if anyone has a suggestion or an idea of what this problem is, and what I need to replace. I have an idea of what it could be but I would like to first hear what you guys have to say so my opinion will not influence yours. Thanks in advance.

 

Sounds like a bad connection either at the battery, the starter or the solenoid. Try cleaning and reattaching the leads at those three places. Bill

 

I had the same problem. the wire from the battery to the starter was corroded at the connector. It was hard to see it was actually under the bolt and the connector was rotted in half but if you looked at it attached to the starter it looked fine. May want to disconnect yours and take a look.

 

I agree. The cables tend to corrode thru at the starter. My truck had the same issue last year. Lance are you in the rust belt? Fill out your profile, and give us some general idea of where you are located.

 

I cannot vouch for the cables portion, but those symptoms are spot on for a solenoid on its way out.

 

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I was thinking it was the solenoid. I will check what yall suggested. Thanks. Also bent6, I will update my profile when I get more time. Thanks again

 

battery to the starter cable corroded off mine and the same thing happened click click start I talked to the shop manager and he said it is a very common problem.