Hi guys. I am new to the forum. I just bought a 2006 F250 with the 5.4L. It has started to not engage the starter sometimes when I turn the key. Where would you guys start with the trouble shooting? I am thinking starter solenoid but am new to this truck so am not sure. Thoughts? Thanks.

 

i would start with the soleniod and also check your battery terminal connections

 

Hi Paul:

Not too sure what you mean by "not engage the starter". Does the starter do nothing, or does it spin but fail to engage the flywheel?

In the first case, Worf is right. Battery terminals, simple as they are, can be deceiving. Make sure they are clean and tight. Including inside the crimp or bolt plate. Ditto for all the connections from the battery to the starter. It could also be anything from a neutral safety switch, or key switch. That really shouldn't be too hard to diagnose, just by jiggling things around when it fails to start.

In the second case, it may be a bad starter gear, or a bad bendix, inside the starter. Either case, a new starter is in order. Worse case scenario, but least likely, a bad spot on the flywheel.

Let us know how you make out please.

Take care & good luck,
Marty

 

Worf, I took your advise and checked the battery terminals. The ground was tight but the positive was a bit loose. I put some torque on the nut on the positve side and threw the battery charger on for a couple of hours for good measure. It has started good ever since.

I am up in Canada and it is 20 below outside right now The next couple of days will tell if this was the solution that I was looking for. If it starts good in cold like that then I am good to go. If not then I will continue by looking into things that Chipperhead has suggested.

Thanks for the help.