I am totally lost. I have a 98 f150 with a 4.6 v8 with 215,000 miles. A few days ago I went to go on my lunch break and my truck wouldn't start. It wouldn't even turn over. I had my wife come get me after work and I figured I would go ahead and hook up the cables to her car and give it a try. After 15 minutes of trying this nothing happened. After being ready just to leave it up there for the night I gave it one last shot and it fired right up. I drove it for a couple days and it started just fine. After changing the oil last night I went to the store and it died as I was pulling in and I never could get it started again. I towed it home and replaced a nasty looking battery cable and the battery itself and still have no luck. I can't even get it to turn over. It almost acts like it is seized but it just seems weird that it did this a couple days ago and started. The only other problem is my AC compressor is going out and was making a terrible noise when it was running. I didn't know if there was a way it locked up and is keeping my truck from starting. I didn't think that would keep it from starting. Sorry for the long story but I am confused and need help.

Thanks,
Steve

 

Does it make any sounds when you turn the switch to start?

 

Yeah. the engine tries to turn but it stops. Its like it is seized but like I said it did this a couple days ago and then started and now I cant get it to start.

 

check the connections. the starter connections corrode check it. clean the battery terminals if that doesent fix it next time it happens short the big post to the small post on the firewall relay if it starts replace the relay.

 

When it stops turning over , does it make a clicking sound?

If so. I would recommend load testing the battery, and testing the alternator.
You can get this done usually for free at the chain type parts stores.

Also you stated that you had to replace a battery cable. Don't forget, they have a ground cable also. You may need to check it.

Has the engine been losing any coolant?

 

I replaced the battery, and the negative cable as well as the the ground cable from the starter and the ground cable from the terminal. The positive cable looked fine but I cleaned it anyways. Would a bad connection or starter cause it to die while running?

It isn't even turning over. As soon as I turn the key the engine tries to turn but it acts like it is locked up. I just thought it was crazy that it did the same thing a couple days ago but then started. That is the only thing that makes me think the engine isn't locked up.

 

try shorting the posts on the firewall relay. if it turns over replace it. if it dont take off your starter and have it tested. if you think the engine is locking up try putting a breaker bar on the crankshaft pulley bolt and if it wont turn over you got a major issue. dont sound like that to me though.

 

I just tried shorting the posts on the relay and that didn't work. I'll try to turn the crankshaft pully and get back to you in a minute. Thanks for the help!

 

Just an idea, but i've heard of compressors locking up and stopping the motor from cranking. Happened to one of my uncles cars once I think. The a/c compressor locked up and it felt like the motor was seized, but as soon as they removed the serpentine belt, it turned over fine. Give it a shot with the belt off.

- Erik

 

I don't have a breaker bar but with a 1/2 ratchet and a 18mm socket I could get it to turn to the left (not very easily) and not at all to the right.

 

Did you check your coolant level?

 

Scruffy,
You are the man. I took off the belt and the engine has no problem turning over. I guess I will be replacing my ac compressor as soon as I can get one in.

Jethat, thanks for all the ideas. I really appreciate everyones help!!!!

 

wow lol, can't believe that worked. well, awesome man. Glad to hear it started.

- Erik

 

How about that

 

To bad I can't drive it until I get the new compressor in Does anyone have any tips on replacing the compressor. I did it in my wifes old civic a couple years back and it was a pain. I'm guessing it is going to be the same story.