benm5678

hi f150 experts,
my truck was fine and suddenly cant start it... engine wont turn at all.
dash light are on, the anti theft light goes off when key is on, but there is no clicking noise, and headlights do not dim. same in nuetral gear. battery is just a year old, and i tried to jump it but it doesnt make a difference.

maybe starter solenoid issue? but i cant find it... any ideas where it is on 2004 f150, i tried to search for hours and cant find online. i read some people say can try to use old scrwdriver to short it and if it works you know the starter itself is good... so im hoping i can try this myself and maybe replace the solenoid then cheaply.

otherwise ill need to tow it, and probably pay a lot for a shop to diagnose and fix.

if you have any tips will be greatly appreciated,
thx,
ben

Mod (Ret.)

If you're getting 12 volts to the starter, then I'd suspect the starter or its solenoid. Get a meter, and have a buddy turn the key while you check for 12 volts to the starter with it (meter).

benm5678

I don't know where the solenoid is located?
Is either easy to reach to test? (i do have a meter).

techrep

iTrader: (1)

Put your meter to 12VDC ...find the big bolt with the red wire on your starter, place the red lead from your meter on it and the black lead to the frame for ground.. have a buddy turn your key to start...read meter voltage. It will help to jack the front of the truck for access.

STSCDave

benm5678

ok, thanks, i saw that video, which is more than i can do... i thought maybe the solenoid was easy to reach, but i guess its on the starter.
appeciate the replies

STSCDave

Go buy a Haynes manual. It is full of information and pictures. Most of the big parts stores have them for $20 or less. I use mine all of the time. It will pay for itself the first time it helps you fix something without a shop.

benm5678

Thanks a ton for the tip, I'm going to check it out!!!