I have a 2001 F150 Supercrew with the v8 5.4L 4x4 and my problem only happens occasionally. When i get into start the truck and turn the key, my headlights and electronics go on but the truck does not start. I have to either turn the key maybe 10 to 20 times for it to start or i have to take it out of park and put it back in park about 10 times for it to start. I have tried starting it in neutral but its just the same issue. The torx screws are tight and when i look under the dash, it all looks good (atleast to me). Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

 

Could be a multitude of things. Park position switch, Ignition lock cylinder, or Ignition switch itself. Judging by the way you said messing around with the shifter seems to help; I'd aim for a PPS issue. When hooked up to a scanner (a wonderful little tool, btw) the BCM will tell you what the switch is up to.

 

My guess is actually your starter likely caused from the solenoid corroding inside. A quick way to verify is to jumper the starter to see if your truck will crank over. There are two wires attached to your starter, B+ and S (starter) terminal. The B+ terminal is always hot wired directly from your battery. The S terminal is wired to the starter relay in the control box which is controlled by the GEM.

Jumper between the B+ to the S terminal will bypass the truck's computer and safety mechanisms. It will allow the truck to crank but will not start since no power will be delivered to your coils. If it cranks over fairly with no problems, then you are likely having problems with the ignition/neutral or other switch.

 

Stormsearch, you are exactly right. That was the issue. Mechanic installed a new solenoid today and i will be picking it up. Not expensive either. Thanks for the replies!

 

Good call Stormsearch !