1998 Ford F-150 Starting problems

Tiny
CHRISHIGGINS85
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 FORD F-150
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 182,000 MILES
On my 98 f150 I drove about 3 miles down the road to a friends house and cut the vehicle off. When I went to crank the truck up all I got was a clicking noise from the selanoid on the passenger side firewall. I checked the battery and tried jumping the truck off with no luck. Several people told me it was the starter. I took off the starter and had it checked was told it was bad. Bought a new starter put it on and got the same thing, just clicking. I took it back and was told the starter was bad. Bought a new starter that did work fine and put it on. When I went to crank the truck I got the same thing, just clicking and I think it is shorting out the starter everytime I try to turn it over. Also when I turn the key to start it is showing no oil pressure yet all the other gauges are showing good. Is this a short in the wiring or could it be something more serious?
Friday, October 22nd, 2010 AT 4:57 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check and test the starter relay
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, October 22nd, 2010 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
CHRISHIGGINS85
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Ok from what I know the starter relay is mounted on the passenger side firewall towards the top under the hood. I have juice coming from there. Looks pretty much like a solenoid right? So if that's not it, would I be pretty much down to just a short in a wire. Especially after it just kind've happened all of a sudden too, never had this problem. A short should show pretty much over time or previous problems but this just happened all of a sudden.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, October 24th, 2010 AT 10:37 AM
Tiny
CHRISHIGGINS85
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Don't know if this helps or not but I am hearing the clicking noise coming from the starter relay I am also hearing a small clicking noise coming from the power distribution box that is on top on the driver's side.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, October 24th, 2010 AT 10:49 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Try engaging the starter motor from the stater relay and see what happens-
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, October 24th, 2010 AT 11:27 AM
Tiny
CHRISHIGGINS85
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Tried that no luck, like I said, I've put 2 new starters on, and I think it's actually shorting out the solenoid on the starter when I try to turn it over. Before I take this last starter that I put on off, I would like to find the problem because those starters are a serious pain to take off and on. I'm pretty sure the last starter I put on might be bad now considering the first one I put on was brand new and I tried to turn the truck over and got the same thing. Took it back to Advanced Auto and the new starter was bad so bought another one and had it tested before I left and it was working fine. Went home put it on and still same thing. Don't want to take it off and have it checked just to find out I'm burning Starters and still not fixing the problem.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, October 24th, 2010 AT 11:35 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check the battery voltage into the relay before you crank and while in cranking position on the other side of the relay-beginning to sound like an ignition switch problem
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, October 24th, 2010 AT 12:01 PM
Tiny
CHRISHIGGINS85
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Ok how do I do that exactly, I know of course to use a volt-meter but how exactly would I test it. Or what would I need to touch exactly on the realy with the volt-meter. Also could an ignition switch burn up a starter with just one quick turn of the key. Not turning it over for long, just one quick turn and it starts clicking then back to off position.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, October 24th, 2010 AT 12:10 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Not Running Content

Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
VIDEO
Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
Instructional repair video
Engine Not Starting
GUIDE
Engine Not Starting
Over the past 20 years at 2CarPros we have identified the top problems that are easily fixed. This guide can save you a trip to the repair garage or calling a tow truck and...
VIEW MORE