I hope this is the correct category for this post. If not, please forgive my ignorance.



Last year in October my 97 F150 4.6l would not start. Nothing at all when I turned the key. Found the battery to be bad and replaced it. Still no luck. Took the starter off and had it tested, tested fine. Found that the cable that goes from the pos batt lead to the starter was corroded. Replaced batt terminals and wiring. Started right up. Last week, the same prob again. Took the starter off and had it checked again, tested fine. Was told by the guy at O'Reilly's that it may be the starter solenoid located on the firewall passenger side. He told me to turn the key in the on position and place a screwdriveer across the posts on the solenoid and it should start, if it does, the solenoid is bad. Did this and it started. Replaced the solenoid and it worked fine all day. Went to start my truck this morning and nothing again.. WTF??? Tried the screwdriver trick and it wouldn't even work. I would hate to have to take the damn starter off again and have it tested yet again without getting an opinion on what the prob may be. Anyone else had this prob?? Anyone have any thoughts on what it may be?? Please help.

 

Also, is it possible for a starter to test okay, but still be bad??

 

Did you replace both the POS and NEG wires?


.

 

Yes I did replace both pos and neg wires.

 

I hate to suggest it but take a look at the battery to starter wires again.


Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

its possible. it may have a sticking solenoid. does it make any noise what so ever? did you check the terminals on the starter mounted solenoid? jbrew has had quite a few problems with them. they corrode and can break.

 

check all yore fuses after replacing all that may have blown one

 

Yes I checked all the fuses and they are okay. I guess I'll go ahead and buy a new starter. The terminals do look corroded/rusted on the starter. After this, it will be like a whole new starter system. Hopefully the starter was the problem after all. I'll take care of that and will post again with the results.

Thanks to everyone for all the input!!!

 

Ok crap. Went ahead and got the new starter and still nothing. the ignition is fine, starter is engaging, but not turning over. Engine is not siezed up. I am so close, but have no idea what is goin on. Any ideas?? Please help!!!!

 

One of your MEGA's are cracked. Or the solder joint is melted partially. Causes Intermittent failure. Could also be the frame rail ground behind the passenger side wheel.

 

Thx for the response jbrew.... I'll check these out when i get home.... I'm keepn my fingers crossed, because having to share a vehicle with the wife is more stressful than one would think!!!

 

Those fuses can pass continuity and still be bad - That's why Ford quit using them in 99. Their a PITA . I bypassed the fuses all together at one time in order to determine those as the problem. If you do that , don't leave them that way, she could catch fire

Never ever bend them lol.

I found replacements at the local auto supply.

 

Should've posted sooner, sorry. jbrew.... it was the megas, couldn't say which one, i replaced both ($4.99 ea) started right up and been going strong since!!!! Thanks so much for the help, input, and idears ya'll!!!

 

Glad you go her going

 

Can some one tell me where the megas are. I am having an issue on starting my 4.6 as well, it will start and run and then after shut down no restart for a while any how, then it starts and runs fine until i shut it off again. I am no auto mech but I am learning (the hard way). I have fuel at the rail and power on my injectors(red wire, 12 volts) and she rolls over great just no fire? any answers? I did a lot of what jbrew said to do in some of my other posts, not getting any where bud...I need a beer!