I have a 2000 F150 5.4L...when it is cold (in Alabama) outside (30F or less) and the engine is cold, the starter makes a slight grinding noise just after the truck starts/just before I release it. I'm not holding it on too long. It won't ever do it when it is warm outside/when the truck itself is warmed up. Is the solenoid maybe sticking in the cold? Anyone else notice this? The truck only has a little over 10000 miles on it.

Thanks,
Louis

 

LouisG..
i believe i have the same problem as you.
When and only when my truck is VERY cold
around 50 & below i get a strange noise it sounds like a belt slipping or something of that nature. When its warm out i never get that noise at all. My truck has 81000k on it
and ive had it since ive had the truck at 65k. But this only happens when its cold!

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97 F150 4.6 v8 longbed
_ _ _ _ _______ _ _ _ _
K&N Air filter
K&N FIPK TECH MOD & REMOVED ELBOW SILENCER
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Hyper White xenon bulbs
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Bedliner and Raven Shell
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6 disc cd changer

OIL & FILTER USED Mobil 1
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Gas used TEXACO & CHEVRON

 

just testing my signature...

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let's try it again......

[This message has been edited by LouisG (edited 01-23-2001).]

 

test2

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I get this same noise when I start my truck when it is cold. I have no idea what it is. I took it to the dealer and they replaced the starter but the problem is still there. I am suppose to take it back in next week. I will keep you posted.

Also I have a problem with the truck wanting to run when it is cold. The engine stubles over itself until the engine control computer catches up. Have any of you had this problem as well?

Thanks.....

 

The thing runs fine, it just seems to make that grind/hum noise when I start it cold. After thinking some more, I have an idea:
I always start the truck the same way...holding the key for the same amount of time. Maybe when it is cold enough, the gear on the starter can't retract (solenoid sticks?) and ends up grinding a little. I tried releasing the key a tad bit earlier and I didn't get the noise. Maybe the plunger in the solenoid is dry or sticky with lube or something.

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Up here in the land of 10,000 frozen lakes, I have the same noise during cold(20 to -15 degree) start ups. It turns out that it is the belt slipping.
Try and change the belt to see if that takes care of your noise. A lot cheaper than replacing the starter. Hope this helps...

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1997 F-150 4X4 XLT Supercab
Black w/ Gray two tone and flares
5.4L Triton
Class III Towing
3.55 LS
Gray interior w/ Captains's chairs
6 CD Changer
285 75 16R BFG's

 

I have the same problem but like everyone else it only happens in the cold weather.My truck has 47000 miles and is the 4.2 V6 i have the ESP to 100000 miles so i will get it checked and update everyone. Another small problem i'm having is my brake light doesn't always come on when i set the emergency brake, has anyone else had this problem??

98 STX
4.2V6 5SPD
Clearcoat black

MODS
Superchip
K&N Filter

 

I have the same problem.It only happens in the winter when th truck is parked outside for 4 or more hrs.My truck has 17000kms on it so I don't think it is the belt.I think it might have something to do with the starter.When I have some time I'll bring it in to the dealer to see if they can find the problem.

 

piston slap

 

Same problem here and again, only when it's cold below 25 or so. I was thinking the same thing as LouisG regarding the starter solenoid.
For those of you talking to service, let us know what you find out.
Thanks,
JB