No Start condition

[m4dc0w]

No Start condition - FIXED

I know this is not a specific explorer question, but one of my other trucks a F350 Diesel is having problems starting in the last few days.

This morning I tried to start it, only to find out that it didn't want to co-operate. All I get is a SINGLE "click", not starter grind, nothing.

Get the same result with the remote start.

Any ideas?


Thanks in advance.
-mc

 

[robtoy_r]

my step dad used to have a deisel that did the same thing, does urs have some other key that has to be set to ON on the dash somewhere under the radio i think? because his did and i think it was something to do with that

 

[410Fortune]

sounds like a weak battery, starter is getting enough juice to kick out the pinion and engage the flywheel, but not enough juice to turn engine over.

check battery voltage, then starter power wires/battery cable connections

 

[m4dc0w]

hmmm, I've had the battery charger on it for a bit now, and even tried to boost it from my EX.

I'll leave it to charge a bit more.

Thinking of trying to jump the starter direct from below, is it wise?

-mc

 

[410Fortune]

um no, however you can try jumping the starter relay if it has one, usually they either work or dont though so its not likely its bad if you hear the starter kick

Check all the wiring to the starter, usually there is a large cable directly from the battery, and a smaller signal wire from the trucks key switch/computer. I suspect the signal wire is fine since you can hear the starter kick
Starters get their ground from the transmission bellhousing in most cases, so the ground strap from the battery to engine is very important for this to work properly.

If battery has 12.0V+ then I would check all the battery wiring / wiring to starter

wise is using a volt meter to check voltage at the starter, if it reads below your battery voltage then its likely a wire/corrosion terminal issue

Wise is removing the starter and having it tested

If the truck is a stick you may try moving the truck slightly then trying the starter again, meaning the starter pinion may be kicking out and not meshing with the flywheel, moving the flywheel just a bit may fix this



What is the battery voltage? I cannot tell you how many fords I have fixed that appear to have a bad starter, when in fact the problem is the battery cables or large power feed wire to the starter... usually this is after the owner has replaced a perfectly good starter only to find the same problem still exists

 

[m4dc0w]

I checked the power at the terminals, they are 12.6v and rising on both batteries.

When testing voltage on the starter, I'm assuming that I put the probes on both wires, but don't I need to attemp to start it also to complete the circuit?


-mc

 

[410Fortune]

your starter has two + wires
One is always +, its the larger cable. This is the main + feed that runs the starter

the smaller wire is simply a signal from the key that tells the starter to "run"
this wire is only + when the key is turned to "start"

You need to put the black probe on the engine/transmission metal (bolt somewhere, starter to bellhousing bolt is perfect)

and the red probe on the larger battery feed +,

should read 12.4V, if not you have:

A power feed problem (large wire from battery to starter, corrosion or bad cable)
OR
A ground issue (larger battery ground from batteries to frame/engine/body)

If voltage checks out, its time to remove the starter and have it tested. Warning a weak starter will sometimes still spin and look to be working fine. With the starter out take a look at your flywheel, make sure its not missing teeth, etc

The engine is not frozen is it? Not funny I know..........

 

[fordnut71]

sounds like the battery isnt getting the amps to the starter.if its got good battery power check your ground wires at the battery an on the engine block

 

[m4dc0w]

Starter voltage is at the same as the batteries, so the cables are not the problem.

I started checking fuses today, I found that one fuse was blown, "Starter Motor Relay Coil", a 15amp fuse. Replaced it, and immediately blew on when I tried to start the truck.

So that is telling me a short is somewhere, any suggestions?

-mc

 

[fordnut71]

1 of the relays is sticking causing a load as soon as you try an start it

 

[skoal_mint]

so did you try jumping the starter relay yet??

 

[m4dc0w]

That's my next step, I was going to arc the solenoid with a screwdriver first to see if it at least tries to get the starter going.

What is the best way to jump the starter?

secondly, whats a good way to test the relay?

-mc

Wishing all my trucks were as reliable as my EX.

 

[m4dc0w]

Thanks to all that helped...

I finally had time to work on the F350, and found out it was the solenoid relay switch, cheap fix for $26, it turns over a bit now.

Just waiting for the battery to charge up, and it should start right up.

-mc

 

[fordnut71]

so i was right then. lol . great that you found the problem an soon have it back out on the road.