One Solid Click. No Crank, No Start
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Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 2
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One Solid Click. No Crank, No Start
We walked out of the store, got in our 1997 Ford F-150 XL, with the 4.2L v6 truck, and got a nice solid single "click." Just that. Nothing else. And each time we turned the key, we were getting that one reliable solid click.
Nonetheless, once towed home,
I tested the battery and found it some what low at start (around 11.8v).
Jumping did not result in cranking or starting.
Took the battery for testing and replaced battery that tested bad (one cell defective).
Replaced battery terminal ends.
Confirmed ground straps connected.
Confirmed all wiring connections at starter..
Confirmed fuel at the rail schraeder valve.
Stlll, single click, no crank, no start.
Checked Starter relay by trading with working horn battery and the starter relay worked for the horn.
The starter fuse is intact with no apparent damage.
Thinking perhaps the starter, I pulled it and had it bench tested. It emitted a high pitch whine during testing, but the computer literally passed it nonetheless. I purchased an OEM replacement and installed it.
Still,, single click, no crank, no start.
Ideas?
Nonetheless, once towed home,
I tested the battery and found it some what low at start (around 11.8v).
Jumping did not result in cranking or starting.
Took the battery for testing and replaced battery that tested bad (one cell defective).
Replaced battery terminal ends.
Confirmed ground straps connected.
Confirmed all wiring connections at starter..
Confirmed fuel at the rail schraeder valve.
Stlll, single click, no crank, no start.
Checked Starter relay by trading with working horn battery and the starter relay worked for the horn.
The starter fuse is intact with no apparent damage.
Thinking perhaps the starter, I pulled it and had it bench tested. It emitted a high pitch whine during testing, but the computer literally passed it nonetheless. I purchased an OEM replacement and installed it.
Still,, single click, no crank, no start.
Ideas?
Last edited by 28540F150; Apr 27, 2025 at 06:18 PM. Reason: adding vehicle details
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,698
Likes: 766
From: Parts Unknown
Remove and clean all B+ and ground connections (especially at the engine block). I actually made a heavy ground cable and connected it at one of the starter mounting bolts.
Use a jumper cable, jump from battery positive to the heavy positive lug feeding the starter on the solenoid. Make sure the starter has a good ground. Try tapping on the starter with a hammer.
Finally, make sure the engine can be rotated at the crankshaft nut on the hamonic balancer. Hopefully your engine is not seized.
Use a jumper cable, jump from battery positive to the heavy positive lug feeding the starter on the solenoid. Make sure the starter has a good ground. Try tapping on the starter with a hammer.
Finally, make sure the engine can be rotated at the crankshaft nut on the hamonic balancer. Hopefully your engine is not seized.
Last edited by raski; Apr 28, 2025 at 04:58 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 2
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So, this is a learning process as I go.
The starter solenoid on this model is attached to the starter, right? So, when I purchased the replacement unit, I did, in fact, replace the solenoid that had been on the vehicle when it stopped working.
I suppose the solenoid on the new unit might have failed, but I continue to have that single, hard click with each attempt to start.
The starter solenoid on this model is attached to the starter, right? So, when I purchased the replacement unit, I did, in fact, replace the solenoid that had been on the vehicle when it stopped working.
I suppose the solenoid on the new unit might have failed, but I continue to have that single, hard click with each attempt to start.
