shag_fu

So my truck won't start. No crank, battery is 2 weeks old, starter is 2 weeks old, alternator checked out. This has happened before but in those cases I wiggle the pos batter cable connection and it starts. It quit like this a few days ago but started up after sitting for a bit. That last time my radio quit mid trip and then the truck died 2 starts after that. Radio is fine this time. I'm just getting a single click when I try to turn it over not a series of clicks. I feel like I have a bad connection or ground somewhere.

97 f150 5.4l

I got it started but only by waiting another 20 minutes or so. Should I start with new battery cables?

jprevat

iTrader: (1)

My guess is the starter relay on your firewall. Take a screwdriver and cross the two posts with the key in the on position. It should crank.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

Yes...replace your cables...clean your grounds and starter contact points...

shag_fu

I believe you're correct. This let the truck start fine. I'm going to replace this starter relay and do the cables in the not so distant future.

jprevat

iTrader: (1)

Glad to help. Those relays are under $20 so they are are a really cheap and easy fix.

shag_fu

I'm back at this again. Swapped the solenoid on the firewall, still won't start. Did new pos/neg battery cable won't start with the key but starts stronger when I short the solenoid. So right now I have to short the solenoid every time I start my truck. Any more ideas would be appreciated.

jprevat

iTrader: (1)

Do you have power to the small wire on top of the solenoid when you turn the key?

shag_fu

In the START position I get about 14mv and in the ON position it's like 30mv. I had to use my multi since I'm by myself and it's got jaws on both leads. I don't get the 12v I prob should have.

shag_fu

I tried a few more things. I've been having trouble getting it in to park lately. I put the truck in N and it started fine. I've scheduled a trans flush for next week.

When I park it, it looks like park on the column but the truck want to roll backwards so I keep the e-brake on.

EDIT: a little more research and I guess this issue is a recall. 97v171000, trans shift cable was not fully attached to the steering column bracket. Driver is unable to shift into park even though the selector indicates park. Can result in unintended movement if parking brake is not set.

Sounds like I need to get this recall addressed.

jprevat

iTrader: (1)

Sounds like that wire is at fault. Let me check mine when I get home before I suggest any thing else.