2003FX4wd

I am the proud owner of a 2003 Ford F 150 FX4 with the 5.4 liter in it. It has just developed a starting issue within the past couple days. It will crank but only about on the third or fourth try. It doesn't click when its trying to crank. On about the third or fourth time it will crank. It also will crank by using a screwdriver on the solenoid posts. I replaced the solenoid but it still has the same issue. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Crazy Cooter

Assuming that the Ignition Switch is properly operating, check the connections at the battery and the starter. Always check the most simple things first. I had the same issue with a 2001 F-250 5.4L 4x4 at the dealership, and it was all due to dirty battery terminals and a loose connection.

The 5.4L has a tendancy for the starter wire jam nuts to back off over time and cause a poor connection. Most typically it is the small ground wire, but both are prone to loosen. Also, the solenoid housing on the starter is made of a cheap plastic, and that also has a tendancy to break, leaving the stud for the wire loose from the solenoid.

Best Of Luck

2003FX4wd

Thanks for the help man. I am pretty sure I have got an alternator problem now though. My truck just died last night. Lost power a little at a time.

torkum

If not the alternator check wiring for bad ground.

2003FX4wd

Thanks for the help fellas. I went in and checked all my connections and tightened them up and guess what it runs and runs good. It cranks on the first try every time. Only problem now is that it is throwing a check engine code and I believe my bearing is shot in the a/c compressor cause its making a god awful whining noise now when its idling or driving down the road.