2011 f150 SCREW 5.0 140k

I have an intermittent problem that is getting worse. My truck cranks and starts just fine but sometimes the starter stays engaged and keeps spinning from 1-3 seconds after the engine fires. Normally as soon as the engine is running the starter retracts. One time the starter kept going for at least 5 seconds and I turned the key off. I immediately re started it and had a normal start.


I’ve been searching but haven’t found anything conclusive. Some have mentioned low voltage and my battery is old so I think I’ll grab a new on this weekend for peace of mind. However I’m skeptical this is really the issue because of how strongly the truck starts and runs. Any ideas?

 

Sounds like the starter relay is sticking. Swap it with another one in the battery box under the hood, top center of radiator.

 

Hi. I have a 2012 FX4 5.0 with 187,000 miles. The starter issue that you described just happened to me; twice in one week. Starter sticks after the engine has started. I immediately turned the key to off, let sit for 5 seconds and re-started successfully with no issues. I tested my battery and it's at 100%; so I'm going to try changing the relay tomorrow. I'll let you know what happens with mine.

The truck has been great; had a water pump go on me at 140K, and I have the damn rocker panel rust problem (but I'm in Massachusetts and the truck is 8 years old, so I'm not too bummed about that). I hope this starter issue is easily (and cheaply) addressed. I'll le you know.

 

Timely post, as mine has been intermittently doing the same. I replaced the ignition switch, but it’s still doing it.

Time to look at the relay. Thanks for the tip.

 

Not that i think this has anything to do with it, BUT, do you know the starter is automatic? ie. you do not hold the key in the start position like most vehicles, just turn once to start and let go immediately, the computer controls the starter at that point.

 

Start by throwing a new start relay in, if that doesn't solve the problem your starter pinion is probably dirty/sticky and not returning. As far as automatic starters, another better idea..... I always managed to start my automobiles just fine.

 

LOL yes, "progress". But in reality it kind of is progress, just seems entirely unnecessary to those of us that have been around a while.

However I have grown to appreciate this feature, especially on boat motors. Also, ultimately this is a product of (keyless) push button start.

 

Update! Bought the relay at my local Ford dealership yesterday ($21.00). Installed the relay and waited until this morning to try and start the truck (the "problem" is always encountered after the truck has sat overnight). Started right up this morning; it was definitely the relay! These forums are a Fantastic resource; thank you all for your help with this. It's nice when the problem is easily and cheaply solved!

FYI; the relay was shown as fuse #2 in my owners manual, in the fuse box located under the hood above the fan (not the cab fuse box). Hope this helps somebody else.

 

Is this the part number: Ford (9L2Z-14N089-A)

Amazon says it has it in stock, but will be delivered on the 13th. That doesn’t sound like it’s in stock to me, so time to look somewhere else.

Maybe the stealership....

 

Is it actually Amazon? I've grown to dislike purchasing auto parts from the Amazon marketplace.