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Battery good but won't start on 2003 F 150

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Old 02-21-2010, 07:08 PM
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Default Battery good but won't start on 2003 F 150

My truck has a new battery but from time to time it won't turn over. I rock the truck back and forth while in park and then it will start. All gauges, lights, radio, etc work but no turnover. I think it's the starter and it's under warranty but looking for ideas.

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Old 02-21-2010, 07:35 PM
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Sounds like the starter is binding on the flywheel, I'd tell your dealer about it and see if they will fix it under the warranty.
Old 02-21-2010, 08:06 PM
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I would first check the condition of the battery cables. If they are ok look at the cables connecting to the starter.
Old 02-22-2010, 12:48 AM
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It may be the starter but something like this happened to my truck recently and it ended up being the gear indicator adjustment under the steering colum. Mine was a hair off of alignment and it has to be just right to trigger the starter. You know like when you put it in park, it feels really loose and not tight like when the truck was new. I adjusted mine and its as tight as a new one. I haven't had a problem with it since. Before I tightened it, it was reading Park but in reality, it was actually stuck between park and reverse. Does this make any sense? Good luck.
Old 02-23-2010, 09:37 PM
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When this happend just out of curiosity did you try a differant key? Some keys are chipped for anti-theft. Just a thought.
Old 02-23-2010, 09:40 PM
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If you know how to cross the solenoid to bypass the ignition and test starter. That would narrow it down. If it is under warranty though dont mess with it let them look at it.
Old 02-24-2010, 05:08 AM
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The first thing I always tell people to do is check the battery cables and make sure you have a GOOD connection. If there is any corrosion, clean it. Second, I would try your neutral safety switch (the thing that makes sure your truck isn't in gear when you go to start it). If your shifter is really sloppy, tighten it up. I wouldn't recommend jumping it across the solenoid just because I don't like to do it. You're better off taking the starter off and stealing the wife/girlfriend/neighbors car and running it down to the local parts store and having them test it.
Old 02-24-2010, 07:09 AM
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The shop says the bushing needed to be replaced that holds the gear shift and that it was telling the truck it was in reverse. They also said there is a pin that had backed it's way out but they'll explain it when I get there. Last but not least, they soaked the door latches w/lubricant so my door ajar light would go out.

Thanks to everyone for the advice.
Old 02-24-2010, 07:42 AM
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Originally Posted by 150newbie
The shop says the bushing needed to be replaced that holds the gear shift and that it was telling the truck it was in reverse. They also said there is a pin that had backed it's way out but they'll explain it when I get there. Last but not least, they soaked the door latches w/lubricant so my door ajar light would go out.

Thanks to everyone for the advice.
What did soaking the door latches in lubricant do for the door ajar light? I'm curious because sometimes my door ajar light doesn't go out and it's kinda frustrating.
Old 02-24-2010, 08:57 AM
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Jensen - a guy just posted this problem on here too, and I told him to spray WD40 in his door latches, and it worked for him too. There is a magnet in there that gets stuck, and WD40 will loosen it up. Just spray a good amount in there, it will work for you too! https://www.f150forum.com/f6/electri...e-light-45614/


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