I am nobody's idea of a mechanic, but I thought even I would be able to change the starter on my 99 F-150 4 x 4 with a 5.4 Triton. However, I can't find a tool to get the top nut off. What am I missing? Do I need to remove something else to get at the starter?

 

You need extensions on a 3/8 drive ratchet, and you have to do it by feel.

 

Thanks for the advice. I'll be giving it a try this afternoon. Happy Labor Day!

 

Modular starters can be tough to get out. Why are you replacing it? Ford makes a darn good starter they do fail but relatively rarely. I myself have replaced more then 1 perfectly good starter..

 

Put the right front corner of the truck on a jack stand, remove that tire, then you can easily reach the top bolt with some extensions and a U-joint.

 

Thanks to all for the advice. I finally got the starter out, but the truck does the same thing with the new starter installed. I took the old one to Auto Zone and it tested fine. It still gives a click or two when I turn the key, and that's it. I've heard that the motor is probably locked up, the transmission is locked, the alternator is froze up ... and some other theories. I'm thinking I'll just wind up chalking it up to another Craig's List mistake and junking it. First, though, anybody have an idea how a non-mechanically inclined guy could narrow down what it is, or that the motor is, indeed, no good?

 

Could be the transmission gear position sensor. If it's not adjusted correctly it will not start because it doesn't sense that the truck is in Park. Remove the nut on the gear shift cable on the tranny and use a wrench to turn the shaft and ensure the tranny is in Park then try to start it without putting the cable back on the tranny. I had this same issue. My cable was out of adjustment and it wouldn't start try to start.

 

Find the firewall relay next to the battery under the plastic deal that pops open. The positive battery cable leads to it. Take a screw driver and short the big post to the small post.. If the engine turns over replace the relay..

 

Could be a dying battery too.. Or, cleaning up the posts might help.

Good luck!

Mitch

 

Well, I've tried jumping the firewall relay, and that wasn't it. I put in a brand new, freshly charged battery- same thing. Next will be the transmission gear sensor. If that's not it, maybe a gallon of gas and a match??

 

I've had this problem before. Frustrating. hang in there you'll find it.. Might just replace the firewall relay just to make sure. its only a 10 dollar part, that always the first thing I replace because its cheap..

 

Starter circuit ain't rocket science. You can troubleshoot it with a multi-meter and the schematic.