Hey All-
My 05 F150 continues to defy explanation regarding its starter problem. I have had this problem for a long time. The starter occasionally does not engage, and I get the buzzing sound like you hear if you hit the starter while the truck is running. Inspection revealed no damage to the flywheel teeth. The original starter did this same thing, so I replaced it. This is an annoying and embarrassing sound to have a truck make on the jobsite. Truck is cool otherwise, and (knock on wood) generally reliable for the last couple of years. Would like to hear from anyone else who has experienced this problem.
Thanks
Tim

 

have you checked all the teeth on the flywheel... like all the way around... ive not heard of this ever really... you could also have a warped flywheel... i dont know how the starter its self is bloted on so i myself couldnt give you any more ideas than that

 

Did you check the starter relay and solenoid?
I had a 1992 mustang GT convertible and the starter used to get stuck after it starts and the solenoid was bad. that fix it.

 

Builderman,

I have an 05 and had the same problem as you. After having the dealership look at the starter twice, they finally looked at the fly-wheel. Two of the teeth on the fly-wheel where stripped. My truck would start most of the time, but it seemed it would only make the "buzzing" sound when an attractive girl was around. Hope this helped. They had to replace the fly-wheel.

 

Thanks Tony-
We may need to look at the flywheel again. You are right, this noise only occurs when I am trying to look cool.

 

I have had that happen to me twice. One time it went out but the next day it worked just fine (after I called and set up an appointment with the dealership of course) And then the next time I tried to use my remote start and it did it, but I tried right after and It worked without a problem. Been running strong now for 6 months with no problems even when I remote start it. I know a ford mechanic who says that some times the grease or something will dry out if in hot heat or really cold conditions and could cause it but not really sure have never heard anything else on the subject. Glad to know I am not the only one though

 

Oddly enough mine does this EVERY SINGLE TIME a hot girl walks by or im tryin to look like a badass to all the other guys...as of now its very random and seldom so until i have the extra cash im just gonna leave it how it is...i guess the only thing it could hurt is the flywheel that is already screwed...someone should do a write up on how to change that flywheel!!!!!

 

The ford technician advised that if the truck would not start, to put it in drive and roll the truck forward or backwards to spin/rotate the flywheel. I sure you guys knew this but just a little fyi!!!

 

just put it in neutral and rotate the motor on the crans shaft bolt

 

The same exact thing happens to my 2005 XLT. I had the flywheel checked, in perfect condition. Had the starter checked, in perfect condition and no loose bolts. What I have found to get rid of the problem is to slowly turn the ignition key to start the vehicle. It NEVER does this when I turn the ignition slowly. Not slow as all hell, but just slower, and smoothly. If I turn it real fast then it will happen. I have no idea why this is, but it has fixed my problem completely. God I hope there is no crazy over-current electrical crap happening or something weird like that. And yes, my starter has been replaced before to try to figure this thing out. No help there. Just turn the key slowly. It sounds stupid but it worked for me.