Author Topic: Ford starting problem? (Read 4786 times)

Hyena · « **on:** Sep 10, 2007, 04:30:37 PM »

Truck doesn't start sometimes. it is a 99 F-250 7.3L 122,000 miles.

Sometimes it will tun over good, but make a clicking noise under the dash and it won't fire. Other times it will start up fine with no clicking noise. then sometimes it will make the clicking noise for a few seconds as i am turning it over, the noise will stop and the motor will fire up. sounds like a relay or something going to the fuel system? What is under the dash that this could be? Any help would be great.

*FFC* · « **Reply #1 on:** Sep 10, 2007, 04:33:39 PM »

Could it be a glow plug/ignitor?

Hyena · « **Reply #2 on:** Sep 10, 2007, 05:46:20 PM »

it isn't the glow plugs, it is something under the dash, not in the engine compartment.

Shamb · « **Reply #3 on:** Sep 10, 2007, 05:53:47 PM »

I know squat about Ford's.... especially electircal.

If you are hearing a clicking noise i'd say relay as well.. or maybe something sparking/shorting out?

Are you able to take a peak under the dash at all to see anything?

I'd imagine if it were a spark/ground out then you'd probably smell something as well.. burnt wire!

something in the ignition switch?

locktup · « **Reply #4 on:** Sep 10, 2007, 06:10:11 PM »

Brad, while starting it hit it with a BIG FAWKIN HAMMER. That may knock something loose.

Hope that helps,
Jason

Hyena · « **Reply #5 on:** Sep 10, 2007, 08:07:48 PM »

haha, very funny Jason. I don't see anything under the dash. i took the cover off and i can hear about where it is coming from. no burnt smell either.

Duffil · « **Reply #6 on:** Sep 10, 2007, 08:25:06 PM »

I remember something about those fords having an issue with that...not sure what it was...hang on i'll see what I can dig up.

Duffil · « **Reply #7 on:** Sep 10, 2007, 08:31:38 PM »

OK, I just double checked before I fill your head with :bull crap: .

We have had several customers with complaints of hard starting/no start conditions on late model 7.3s. The injectors seem to be either plugging up or shorting...something causes them not to squirt, and it happens once you get around/over 100K miles. We had a customer come in today asking about it, actually. AFAIK, replacing the injectors cures it.

Duffil · « **Reply #8 on:** Sep 10, 2007, 08:33:12 PM »

I'd run it by a ford dealer and ask the service guys before I go throwing parts at it, though.

Shamb · « **Reply #9 on:** Sep 10, 2007, 08:56:58 PM »

Quote

We have had several customers with complaints of hard starting/no start conditions on late model 7.3s. The injectors seem to be either plugging up or shorting...something causes them not to squirt, and it happens once you get around/over 100K miles. We had a customer come in today asking about it, actually. AFAIK, replacing the injectors cures it.

Brad this is exactly what is wrong with my Tahoe.. and it has a hard time starting sometimes.. no clicking but it takes forever to start...

Its under a 10 year or 200,000 mile warrenty.. I just havn't had time to go to the dealer to raise hell about it.

*FFC* · « **Reply #10 on:** Sep 11, 2007, 08:20:07 AM »

I"m going through all the TSB's for your truck as far as starting, i/p, etc. So far the only big problem I'm seeing is the lock cylinder

Nothin under fuel system with the symptoms you stated. Most is like injector o rings, hard/rough start and idle, nothing bout the noise you discribed $I\'m Down$

norcalyoter · « **Reply #11 on:** Sep 11, 2007, 10:15:42 AM »

sounds like the cam sensor these things are notorious for those going bad

Duffil · « **Reply #12 on:** Sep 11, 2007, 01:49:51 PM »

Quote from: FordFreakChik on Sep 11, 2007, 08:20:07 AM

I"m going through all the TSB's for your truck as far as starting, i/p, etc. So far the only big problem I'm seeing is the lock cylinder

Nothin under fuel system with the symptoms you stated. Most is like injector o rings, hard/rough start and idle, nothing bout the noise you discribed $I\'m Down$

there isn't one on it...it's a problem nonetheless.

*FFC* · « **Reply #13 on:** Sep 11, 2007, 02:00:20 PM »

Quote from: Duffil on Sep 11, 2007, 01:49:51 PM

there isn't one on it...it's a problem nonetheless.

Oh I don't doubt it's a common problem.. just tryin to help that's all.

79coyotefrg · « **Reply #14 on:** Sep 12, 2007, 05:45:44 PM »

Brad, sounds like a fuel cut solinoid relay, its making that noise because its not wanting to make a full connection which is why it doesnt start

jimbo74 · « **Reply #15 on:** Sep 12, 2007, 06:04:05 PM »

are you able to track down the clicking? it indeed sounds like a relay issue, and it sounds very much like a fuel relay at that.

this might be unrelated, but how much vibration is the vehicle subjected to? i wonder if there is a loose plug somewhere, causing the relay to freak out. as a diesel, i know the vibrations are a lot higher than gassers

FIREBALL · « **Reply #16 on:** Sep 12, 2007, 07:19:54 PM »

Have you had your batteries tested? There can be enough voltage to turn on lights, stereo etc but the computer won't even let the engine turn over without a certain amount of voltage. A battery with a bad cell could cause an intermitant problem and the low voltage could cause the relay to "flutter". (have had a couple of buddies have this issue)

Hyena · « **Reply #17 on:** Sep 13, 2007, 08:32:22 PM »

batteries were replaced back in May. the motor turns over strong. but it hasn't done it since monday. It is coming from the middle of the dash, not quite sure yet.

daddeo · « **Reply #18 on:** Sep 21, 2007, 05:32:04 PM »

I have a 93 f-350 when I turn the key on it clicks under the hood sometimes 10 to 25 times then quits mine also will start fine one day and not start the next just turn over it has 190,000 miles not figured it out yet either

inmyownsummerami · « **Reply #19 on:** Oct 05, 2007, 03:11:30 PM »

Quote from: norcalyoter on Sep 11, 2007, 10:15:42 AM

sounds like the cam sensor these things are notorious for those going bad

Yea, the cam sensors are garbage. My foremans truck loses about 1 a year, and when it goes out the is no limp-mode, so the truck wont even start or run.

daddeo · « **Reply #20 on:** Oct 10, 2007, 04:16:57 PM »

figured out my problem the starter was shot the brushes in it were gone and the ahmeter was burned up causing it to drain all the charge out of it the starter was not turning fast enough to start the motor

89toy · « **Reply #21 on:** Oct 23, 2007, 05:48:17 PM »

Just to let you know...if your cam sensor goes out, ford dropped the price. I think they used to be close to $200 bucks, but now they are $25 or so. Just wanted you to know so some parts store doesn't try to sell you the old style for $200. Mine went out and I still drove it...good thing because when it was going out they were 200, but about 4 months later they dropped to 25. I have a standard so when it would die on the highway the tranny would start it back up (as long as I was moving). I have a 99 F-250 with the 7.3 and 201,000 miles.

Hyena · « **Reply #22 on:** Oct 23, 2007, 10:15:40 PM »

still haven;t found the problem. it has been close to 3 weeks since it did it last. it is going into the shop hopefully this week or next. something is up with the rear axle too.

89toy · « **Reply #23 on:** Oct 24, 2007, 09:16:57 AM »

Oh, thought you found the problem already. My 99 did the same thing...I would turn the key to on and all my guages would act extremely weird and I would hear a click when I tried to turn the key...turned out to be the starter relay. I found out by trying to start it and it not working (the few times it didn't work, sometimes it would start right up and run perfect) and then just using a wrench (inslulated of course) and holding it against both bolts/nuts on the relay (the one that is on the passenger fender) and it would always start perfect with the wrench. Went to Napa, bought what I think was a 15 dollar relay, replaced it, and haven't had a single problem yet...and it has been about 7 months. The one they make now is different than the stock one, you actually have to break off a small piece of plastic to get the wires to bolt to the relay. Might give it a try.

Hyena · « **Reply #24 on:** Oct 24, 2007, 08:55:44 PM »

i don't see how it would be the starter relay when the starter still turns over.

89toy · « **Reply #25 on:** Oct 25, 2007, 06:28:52 AM »

sorry, I guess I read it wrong...for some reason I though the starter would work sometimes and sometimes it wouldn't.

lucky7 · « **Reply #26 on:** Nov 09, 2007, 07:18:27 PM »

mine has turned over fine but wouldn't start before and it was one weak battery .several people have had this
problem fords just seem to have a tricky electical systems.

Hyena · « **Reply #27 on:** Nov 09, 2007, 07:23:27 PM »

Quote from: lucky7 on Nov 09, 2007, 07:18:27 PM

mine has turned over fine but wouldn't start before and it was one weak battery .several people have had this
problem fords just seem to have a tricky electical systems.

i think that is what we have narrowed it down too. took it to a shop and they said one of the batteries isn't putting out enough CCA. took it to Kragen where i bought them not even 6 months ago and they put there machine on it. they said that my alternator was over charging my batteries. i know they are wrong so i am going to have to bring the battery into them without my truck.

4DEES · « **Reply #28 on:** Nov 19, 2007, 01:54:35 PM »

I Had The Same Problem With My 99 Expedition, Turned Out To Be The Batterey Terminals They Were Both Broken. And It Was Making The Damn Clicking Noise Also, I'm Sure You Already Checked That Though? Good Luck With It

Hyena [OP]

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