2000 Adventurer starter issues

[John Mayleben]

I have a 2000 Adventurer with the Ford V-10 engine. The other day, we pulled it out of storage and it ran fine, but a couple of days later when I went to move it, it won't start.

Between myself and a couple of mechanic types, we have determined the following...

1. Batteries are good (they were all (both house and engine) replaced recently and test "good")

2. Starter tests "good". We pulled it and took it to the auto parts store to test it.

3. When we run a jumper cable from the battery to the starter lead, the rig fires up and runs.

In researching Ford V-10's (other vehicles like their 15 pass. van, etc) there seems to be a solenoid or relay located under the hood near the battery location. I can't find that connection on my RV.

I am thinking that this (or the 1 gauge wire between the battery and the starter) is the problem.

Can anyone a) confirm that there is a relay/solenoid like this on the RV V-10 and b) point me in the right direction to ID it's location?

Thanks for the help...

John Mayleben

[Mike in Florida]

John - On my 2001 F-53 there are two OEM Ford relay boxes under the hood attached almost dead center on the firewall. There are several relays in each box, and each relay is fairly well identified. When I had relay issues I utilized the Ford supplied owners manual (Brown vinyl cover) to identify specifically the function of each relay and ultimately resolve my issue.

Good Luck !