Not getting start signal to the starter relay, relay has 12vdc

Tiny
HAMFIST
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 FORD FREESTYLE
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
Just got finished replacing an engine in a 2006 freestyle (i have pulled and replaced multiple CVTS and engines in these cars with no issue).

Get in, turn the key, nothing. Before the swap, it ran for a min or so, before shutting off.

We got it at auction. Now it wont start. It has fuel, power at the fuse box that powers the starter relay and fuse. The fuse is good, the relay is good and has 12vdc at the batt term, good ground. The 7.5a fuse in the SMJ in the drivers for the starter is good.

Did find an aftermarket alarm (code alarm) and remote installed (poorly), and uninstalled it.

When you turn the key, as normal, everything powers down to direct current to the starter. Nothing happens.

If I remove the relay and jumper to the starter, it cranks and attempts to start (separate issue to handle when it finally cranks), so the starter works, the wiring is correct.

Something in the SJB under the dash isn't allowing the signal to go to the fuse box under the hood.

I used forscan to check key positions, the systems recognize all positions, same with the transmission range sensor.

Something isn't saying okay to send signal to the starter relay and i'm at a loss.
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Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 AT 12:21 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,005 POSTS
Hi,

Is there power the 7.5amp fuse when in the start position? That power comes from the ignition and before that, fuse 34 in the battery junction block.

You mentioned the fuse was good, I need to know if it sees power with the key in the start position. That is what triggers the relay and engages the starter motor.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, December 5th, 2020 AT 6:19 PM
Tiny
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Figured it out. I used the engine harness from the donor Ford Five hundred. The Freestyle's harness appeared the same but obviously was different, as I installed the one from the freestyle and it starts and runs.

I learned something!
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Sunday, December 6th, 2020 AT 1:48 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,005 POSTS
Hi,

Glad to hear you got it fixed. Nothing anymore is easy. LOL

Feel free to come back anytime in the future if you have questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Sunday, December 6th, 2020 AT 10:05 PM
Tiny
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Thanks again!
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Friday, December 18th, 2020 AT 12:20 PM

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