1997 Ford F-150 starter woes

Tiny
DOM818
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 FORD F-150
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 222,700 MILES
Hi my starter went bad so I bought a remanufactured one and installed it. While installing it, I had to replace the positive cable's end connection at the starter due to corrosion. When I try to start it, all I get is the starter spinning. It does not engage the flywheel when the key is turned, but it is spinning. I took the new starter out, took it back to the store, got another new starter and got the same result. HELP ME or just shoot me.
Sunday, January 27th, 2008 AT 8:09 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
FLEXY5
  • MECHANIC
  • 512 POSTS
If you look in your engine compartment, on the passenger side up against the fire wall, you will see a black plastic cover. Under that cover is a starter solenoid. Check both of the main lugs on the solenoid for power when trying to start. My guess is that the solenoid is bad and not feeding the high current cable. Let me know if you need help with anything else. I'll be glad to help you through this.
Dave
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Sunday, January 27th, 2008 AT 9:52 PM
Tiny
DOM818
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks, I will try that and let you know how I made out.
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Monday, January 28th, 2008 AT 11:13 AM
Tiny
DOM818
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Well, I checked the voltage between the posts on the starter relay, and I didn't have voltage at the small wirewhen I cranked, so I replaced the relay- I still have the same problem. The starter spins, but is not engaging the fly wheel. My father in law (almost 40 years as a bus mechanic) suggested I take the starter out and check the teeth on the flywheel. So I did, and the flywheel teeth are intact. So, once again, I am about to shoot myself because here in NJ, it is 28 degrees outside and I cannot work under this truck one more minute. Please send your comments. Thanks
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Monday, January 28th, 2008 AT 7:20 PM
Tiny
FLEXY5
  • MECHANIC
  • 512 POSTS
If you didn't have voltage on the small wire while cranking, that should be where you search next. The solenoid should have power on all three lugs (two large and one small) when cranking. If it doesn't have voltage to trigger the solenoid, then it won't send power to the starter. I can't remember where it gets its trigger power from, but your local dealer may be willing to let you look at the schematic for the vehicle.
Dave
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Monday, January 28th, 2008 AT 8:51 PM

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