Intermittent Issue with Starting
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia
Intermittent Issue with Starting
Hey guys, I have been battling a starting issue with my 1996 f150 4.9L. I would be able to start my truck for a couple of days. Then when I go to start it, get a single click, and it wouldn't start. Also, when I would turn the key, and I wouldn't get the dash check engine light wouldn't come on. I would pop the hood, wiggle the ground and then it would start. I replaced the ground to the starter, and the terminal lead. I cleaned up all of the connections that I could. Also this is a new battery.
I was okay for a couple of days after replacing the ground line, but today I had the same issue again!. I popped the hood, wiggled the positive, and then I was able to start it again. I'm thinking about replacing the positive line, not sure where the end of connects, but I figured that was the next logical thing to do. Any thoughts?
I was okay for a couple of days after replacing the ground line, but today I had the same issue again!. I popped the hood, wiggled the positive, and then I was able to start it again. I'm thinking about replacing the positive line, not sure where the end of connects, but I figured that was the next logical thing to do. Any thoughts?
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,805
Likes: 480
From: Cape Girardeau MO
Suggest if wiggling can get things going - there's some tightening and cleaning that needs to happen before replacing random stuff.
The main cables and connections of interest are from the battery (+) to the starter solenoid, from the starter solenoid down to the starter, from the battery (-) to the engine block, and from the battery (-) to the frame.
Your comment about the Check Engine light leads me to think there may be a problem with the (+) cable between the battery and the starter solenoid - either the connections aren't clean and tight, or the cable has failed.
Have had a one-off occasion where the cable corroded through under the insulation just off the (+) post battery clamp, not readily visible without cutting back the insulation.
Good luck, and keep us posted.
The main cables and connections of interest are from the battery (+) to the starter solenoid, from the starter solenoid down to the starter, from the battery (-) to the engine block, and from the battery (-) to the frame.
Your comment about the Check Engine light leads me to think there may be a problem with the (+) cable between the battery and the starter solenoid - either the connections aren't clean and tight, or the cable has failed.
Have had a one-off occasion where the cable corroded through under the insulation just off the (+) post battery clamp, not readily visible without cutting back the insulation.
Good luck, and keep us posted.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia
Suggest if wiggling can get things going - there's some tightening and cleaning that needs to happen before replacing random stuff.
The main cables and connections of interest are from the battery (+) to the starter solenoid, from the starter solenoid down to the starter, from the battery (-) to the engine block, and from the battery (-) to the frame.
Your comment about the Check Engine light leads me to think there may be a problem with the (+) cable between the battery and the starter solenoid - either the connections aren't clean and tight, or the cable has failed.
.
The main cables and connections of interest are from the battery (+) to the starter solenoid, from the starter solenoid down to the starter, from the battery (-) to the engine block, and from the battery (-) to the frame.
Your comment about the Check Engine light leads me to think there may be a problem with the (+) cable between the battery and the starter solenoid - either the connections aren't clean and tight, or the cable has failed.
.
I checked out the + cable to the positive terminal. The lead was pretty dirty, and I ended up just putting a new lead on there that was nice and clean. I cleaned up the Y connector with the rubber sleeve to the started solenoid a lot with the 2 white wire connectors that secured on the bolts. Steel Wool seems to work nicely. It was starting yesterday after I performed that work. Usually I don't get more than 2 days with it starting so we'll see what happens after tomorrow.
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From: Memphis, TN, Earth, Milky Way
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