dgiancola

hmmm..thats interesting...never heard about the PATS deal...learns omething new every day!

bobkyle2

i just cant remember if it will crank over and not start.......or wont do anything at all...... but i was working under the dash of my truck and had the keys out becosue it kepting dinging... and i put the keys by my coke and the coke sweat got on the keys...and it wouldnt start... i then remembered they key thing wiped it off with my shirt and it fired right up

dgiancola

was that on your newer pickup?

bobkyle2

08... my 01oldmobile alero was the same way... the key on it was really touchy... it would just crank and crank...i had to wipe the key off alot of i took it out ... i adventually got a spare key and just left it in the ignition and used the spare to take with me and unlock the doors

jonquil

Yeah, Bobkyl is right about hitting the starter with a hammer. More than twenty years ago, the starter on my old chevy would not engage when I got ready to leave McDonalds one day after lunch. I called a tow truck. The tow truck driver arrived and told me to get ready to turn the ignition key to the start position when he yelled "GO". He yelled, I turned, he hit the starter with an ax! Yes, a big ax with a 40 inch handle. The starter engaged with the second hit. The engine started right up. I replaced the starter with a free one that was covered by the "lifetime guarantee" from Autozone. The tow truck driver said the starter brushes had worn so badly that they could move around in their holders and the hit with the ax caused them to move enough to contact the commutator and spin the starter.

This worked again for me about 8 years ago when my friend's Corsica would not engage the starter. So, I've seen it work twice in my lifetime. Alas, it did not work this time.

Today, I called an acquaintance who is a tech with a local Ford dealership. He looked to see if a pertinent service bulletin existed. AH HA! He found a service bulletin entitled "NO CRANK / STARTER TERMINAL FATIGUE'' affecting the 04 - 06 F-150 series as well as several other Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models.

The issue reads: Some vehicles may exhibit a no crank condition due to an open circuit in the starter relay to starter motor circuit at the starter motor connection.

The service procedure reads: A new starter terminal wiring pigtail kit is released eliminating the need to replace the entire harness for the terminal connection."

There is a "Note" also that reads: "Terminal kit only services the starter relay to starter motor circuit. The kit does not service starter motor battery power circuit." Also, it instructs the technician to "refer to instruction sheet contained in wiring pigtail kit for wiring harness service procdure."

So, the key words in the service bulletin are: "starter terminal fatigue."

I checked the pigtail price at a local auto parts store specializing in Mopar parts. It was $16.85 plus tax.

Question for you gear heads: Because I need the fix to be reliable, not inexpensive, what would you do? Install the pigtail kit, install a new solenoid or install a new starter? If I install a new solenoid or starter, will it solve the problem? Even if it does, will it come back in time?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts/opinions.

bobkyle2

06 ford f150 2wd 4.2?? ... ill do some checking around and see if i can figure something out if you are still needing some help

bobkyle2

i would for sure change that pig tail....... i doubt your starter is bad... but if that pig tail doesnt help you i would change the starter... looks like there around 140bucks ...if you turn your old starter in... can get them for around 140 at autozone...with a 1year warrenty.... 150 for lifetime warrenty... and you will have to turn your old start in for a core ... hope this help man

jonquil

Once again today, the starter failed to engage. I have detected a pattern to the failure. The starter fails only when the outside air temperature drops below 50 degrees. That, of course, is the reason it always fails in my driveway, never away from the house. After the temps rise enough, the engine starts every time. Heating is causing some connection to expand enough to become functional while cooling has the opposite effect. Weird!

During today's failure, I pulled out my 30 year old remote starter switch. I hooked that sucker up, turned the ignition on and gave it a try. The starter spun just like a brand new one. Strong as could be, but the engine refused to start! I suspect the anti theft system thought someone was trying to steal the truck and it refused to start as a result. Can any of you gear heads confirm my suspicion?

At any rate, I confirmed the starter is OK and is not the problem. Good news indeed since a new OEM Motorcraft starter retails for $254 including tax plus a core charge. Bobkyle2, you are right about the autozone starters. Their premium remanufactured unit is $149 plus tax and a core charge. The good thing about this starter is the fact that is is guaranteed for life.

I tried to buy that pigtail, but had to special order it from out of town. Will not be here until next Tuesday. I may have to remove the starter to install it. Will let you guys know how it goes.

bobkyle2

you try to clean the key yet??

jonquil

I cleaned the key three times. Thanks for the tip.

The pigtail will be here tomorrow afternoon and will be installed Wed. The first real test will be Friday morning, if the weather forecast is correct. The temp is predicted to be 40 degrees at first light. If she starts in that cold air, I think the problem will be solved. Will keep you guys informed.