jong

Hi,

I've got a 2000 F150 4x4 5.4L V8 I just bought. I was driving it home from work yesterday and when I got back to the parking lot I turned it off and when I tried to restart it it wouldn't. The starter doesn't engage and none of the lights really do anything except the theft light on the dash flashes. It's like it's low on juice or something because every once in a while when I turn the key for a fleeting moment the dash will light up and the car will make the ding noise it does when you start the car and stuff. But it only lasts a fraction of a second and then it dies again . The 1 and 2 Relays click when the doors are open. Do I just need to replace these relays? I believe one is for the interior lights and one is for the battery saver or something like that. Not sure though. I would love some advice. Thanks!

dewman

When you turn the key to start the truck, do you hear a clicking noise? Or is there nothing at all? You said none of the lights work but the anti-theft light is still working. It almost sounds like the anti-theft device has blocked you from being able to start the truck. You could try resetting the anti-theft device to see if that allows you to start the truck. And you could also get the battery tested to see if it is holding a charge.

There are some great members here that have much more experience than I, and they will see your post soon and add their reply. Sorry to hear you are having trouble, but this is a great place to get some help.

jong

Thank you for replying. Ya my dad also suggested that it was the anti-theft device, but he didn't know for sure. If it is, how would I go about resetting it? He told me when it happened to him a number of years ago it was a big hasssle to get it reset. Like you have to bring the keys in to a dealership or something. I'm hoping it is that because it would be an easy fix. I have no way of testing the battery yet but I'm going to ask a friend for a jump and see if that will work. When I turn the key nothing clicks just the theft and the ABS light (I think) turn on. Anyway besides this and the problems the previous owner and his bank are giving me (no fault of the car's!) at the moment buying this car has been great. I've never owned a truck before but I'm stoked about this one. Hopefully I can get this fixed easily.

NGM

Make sure the battery has at least 12 volts to start. Check the ground at both ends make sure its tight and the connection is clean. Then check the positive. Take the battery to a place like Autozone or Advance auto and they will check it for free. If its bad get an Interstate battery. You can call 1-800-CRANKIT for the nearest Interstate Battery dealer.

jong

I'm going to try to jump it and test the battery today. Does anybody know anything about the anti-theft thing? Because if it doesn't start with a jump that could be the reason. Also are the relays working properly aka are they supposed to click if something else is wrong?

dewman

I don't know about the relays clicking.
Do you know who makes the anti-theft device on your truck? If so, you could try talking to a local shop that installs those kind of devices and ask them if there are any problems with the system not allowing the truck to be started.

jong

It's just the stock anti-theft system that comes installed from the factory. I've heard they can trip and just shut down the entire car. My dad said he had to bring his volvo to the dealership to get it going again when it happened to him some years ago. Seems kinda weird to me though. Anyway, hopefully my friend will be available tomorrow to help me jump start the car. I'll see what that does and then call the dealership and see what they think. I want to fix it myself though so I will be sure and post anything I find out. I'm still guessing though so if yall have any ideas let me know. Thanks again.

jong

I jump started it today and it started just fine. So I'm pretty certain the battery is the problem. Hoping it's not the alternator. I'll update tomorrow.

gbeck

You'll know if the battery voltage is low when you turn the ignition ON and all the gauges peg to the max, then drop down(before trying to start it). Mine did this around 12.2V measured at the battery.

ninezerofour

my 2000 f150 did this once when i had my wheels turned up agaist a curb. I read in the manuel that the the steering wheel had to be straight and unlocked so i put it in neutral and backed it up alittle unlocking it and it started right up