Mysterious Starting Problem
Hi,
1997 F150 4.6 V8 Lariat 4x4 with auto transmission.
Yesterday, I starting having starting problems. The remote starter tried to start the truck, but it just made a pop or loud click noise without the engine trying to crank. So I tried to start the truck with the key and at times, there is no lights at all in the dash except check engine light. I can hear the fuel pump priming. At other times, all the dash lights are on but just a click.
When I try to start it with the remote start, i also hear the relay clicking multiple times in the driver footwell.
The battery is at 12.6V. I even tried jump starting it with another car just in case.
After a while of checking and moving things around, I got the ignition to on with all the lights and was able to crank the engine. It started multiple times last night.
So this morning, it wouldn't start. I got in the truck, moved around the gear level from park to 1st multiple times and moved it around in neutral. The truck started. It started 5 more times afterwards.
I have replaced the battery and alternator 18 months ago. I replaced the starter 9 months ago. When I replaced the starter, one of the wires looked pretty corroded. The wire looked the same as it did 9 months ago as it did yesterday, so I'm not too sure that is the cause of the problem. Here are some pics of the wire.
What do I need to replace or fix? The cable that goes from the battery to the starter? Neutral safety swith? Or what else?



1997 F150 4.6 V8 Lariat 4x4 with auto transmission.
Yesterday, I starting having starting problems. The remote starter tried to start the truck, but it just made a pop or loud click noise without the engine trying to crank. So I tried to start the truck with the key and at times, there is no lights at all in the dash except check engine light. I can hear the fuel pump priming. At other times, all the dash lights are on but just a click.
When I try to start it with the remote start, i also hear the relay clicking multiple times in the driver footwell.
The battery is at 12.6V. I even tried jump starting it with another car just in case.
After a while of checking and moving things around, I got the ignition to on with all the lights and was able to crank the engine. It started multiple times last night.
So this morning, it wouldn't start. I got in the truck, moved around the gear level from park to 1st multiple times and moved it around in neutral. The truck started. It started 5 more times afterwards.
I have replaced the battery and alternator 18 months ago. I replaced the starter 9 months ago. When I replaced the starter, one of the wires looked pretty corroded. The wire looked the same as it did 9 months ago as it did yesterday, so I'm not too sure that is the cause of the problem. Here are some pics of the wire.
What do I need to replace or fix? The cable that goes from the battery to the starter? Neutral safety swith? Or what else?




