Chasing a gremlin

[morbid81]

hey guys,

my 98 X 5.0 EB AWD is having a intermittent starting issue. Earlier this summer I did some front suspension and while my daughter was visiting family in another state i took my time with it, I forgot to unhook the battery cable (Dumbass me). Well obviously the battery was dead when I got it buttoned up and went to crank it. So a friend put a charger on it and did the emergency vehicle setting and she cranked right over, well it died again, so I put it on trickle charge for a few hours and it started and ran fine ever since, well I recently replaced the battery think it was the problem and all was well for a few days. but I noticed after sitting long periods of time (Day or so) I get a loud click when I turn the key I am assuming this is the relay on solenoid trying to engage the starter. Other time I go out and turn the key and I get nothing, like its dead (you hear a faint click or thud like noise like the starter is trying to engage but can't, granted this starter is about a year old). All the lights on the dash light up just find and headlights are bright. It did this same thing to me tonight after sitting close to 12 hours, after third turn of the key it cranked right up. I got a new ignition switch for it, my dad has told me these are known to go bad on Ford's. But if that doesn't cure it where should I start looking. Im chasing my tail on this and its driving me nuts. Im thinking of going after the starter relay next if the switch isn't the problem. It didn't have this issue or any of these symptoms prior to sitting the few months I worked on it. Any ideas and help would be much appreciated. (sorry about the book wanted to be detailed)

 

[MAS Tequila]

How many keys are there on your key ring?

Your Dad ids probably correct.

MT

 

[koda2000]

start by having the battery and alternator tested. most auto parts stores will do this for free. occasionally you can get a new battery that is defective and won't hold a charge. it's not common, but it happens.

if you have a volt meter, test the battery with the engine running and all lights/accessories OFF. you should be seeing 14+ volts at the battery.

make sure your battery terminals are clean and tight. also look at your battery cables. if they are lumpy or corroded replace them. also check the connections at the starter motor.

try disconnecting your battery when the truck will be sitting for extended periods of time. if it starts fine after doing this, you may have something that's draining the battery.

 

[RomeovilleIL]

Had exactly the same issue myself last summer. Since you have good lights and dash is powered, more than likely the starter is going out. Corroded brushes in the starter can give you dead spots. The solenoid wiring on the starter may have corroded as well, ending up with questionable connection. If you pull the starter (which is a pain on the V8) more than likely you will find that short copper wire is full of green powder.

 

[morbid81]

The battery is brand new, the alternator is new as of last year along with the starter, this issue didn't start until after it sat for a few months while i did some suspension work. I left the battery connected and it drained completely. @ Mas Tequila, there is only the key and the fob on my key ring. [MENTION=29519]kod[/MENTION]a, it starts completely fine 99% of the time outside this small issue. But I wlll check for a parasitic draw on the system.

 

[crunchie_frog]

Had exactly the same issue myself last summer. Since you have good lights and dash is powered, more than likely the starter is going out. Corroded brushes in the starter can give you dead spots. The solenoid wiring on the starter may have corroded as well, ending up with questionable connection. If you pull the starter (which is a pain on the V8) more than likely you will find that short copper wire is full of green powder.

This sounds to me like your problem.

 

[Peanut74]

Here is a bit of a long shot. I had the same issue, one time, and it turned out the transmission neutral switch was not quite engaged. All the lights worked and I would hear the solenoid clicking. Next time it happens try pulling up on the gear shift and see if it starts.

 

[Turdle]

Re clean the battery posts and connectors.

 

[morbid81]

battery posts have been cleaned i will give the gearshift a shot as well i also read about the neutral safety switch as well. im gonna replace the ignition switch as well for good measure, my dad has informed fords are notorious for them (could this be a indication of neutral safety switch https://www.dropbox.com/s/84ae5v5rmtdkmcv/dash.jpeg?dl=0, i think its normal though, but that needle isnt fully seat on the P)

 

[stickboy]

The needle sitting on the "P" shouldn't affect the neutral safety switch. There's a cable between the shifter and the dash that stretches or comes loose. The safety switch is on the side of the transmission. A good way to test the neutral switch is to put it in Neutral and see if it starts.