Hi. I have a 1996 Ford F-150, 5.0L. Somtimes when I turn the key to start it, it makes a click sound instead of starting. This is not the click-click-click-click of a low battery, but just one click. Sometimes it will start on the first key turn. Any ideas? Starter wire loose maybe??? I think that if it were the battery, it would do it all the time, right? The battery connections are tight and corrosion free. The battery is a yellow top Optima.
Thank you.
Start by removing and cleaning the ignition wire at the starter solenoid. They sometimes get loos and/or corrode. Brush or scrape it well. Use pliers to tighten the connector a bit before reinstalling and coat it well all over with silicon or other waterproff grease. You may have to remove a ceramic heat shield to access it. The shield just snaps on. The connector has a lock tang that must be squeezed a bit to unlock as you remove it. If this does not do it, another problem is sometimes the solenoid on the right fender apron. It will click but is corroded internally so that a connection is not good enough. I don't know of a repair other than replacement if this is the problem.
Lugnut
Ah, dang! I hope it's not the second one. I'll check into those.
Would you say that it is definitely NOT the battery or the battery terminal connection?
Thanks!
Battery terminals are part of routine maintenance. If they have not been checked since the problem started, they should also be checked. This is a common problem for all cars. The two I described first are fairly common since Ford went to the dual solenoid scheme a few years ago. I do not know the TSB on it offhand, but, there is (was?) a terminal repair kit for the igntion wire to the starter solenoid which includes an updated design spade connector that is tighter and locks better with a better boot to keep moisture out.
Lugnut
Don't forget the main ground lug to the block while your at it....
I had a taurus starter that did similar. Found during inspection a rebuilt starter with a cheap after market solenoid on it that would work if i wiggled it.
Turn on the headlights when you have a no start. Do the headlights dim when it clicks and you have a no start condition? That will lead you in the direction of the problem.
Bob
Do you have an alarm or kill switch or passive anti theft system?
Hi. Thanks for the additional info. The negative battery terminal is new. I just replaced it, as the old one was corroded. I will check it all out.
Thank you.
I will check the ground block too. I will try to check the headlights the n ext time it does it.
Thank you.
Hi. I don't have any of that. Thanks.
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