98 F53 won't crank over

[Houndog]

When I try to start I hear a click up front somewhere but the starter doesn't crank over.. Sometimes it will.. Is there another relay besides the starter solenoid ? Where ?
Thanks..

[subford]

What you hear clicking is not the starter solenoid, it is the starter relay.
The starter solenoid is mounted down on the starter.
Check the wire coming from the starter relay to the starter solenoid, it may be loose at the starter solenoid or dirty and need cleaning.
Here is a diagram of the starter:
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g9...53/Starter.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g9...rterSystem.jpg


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[loulong]

Open up your doghouse and you will find the starter relay on the left (drivers side) side wall. It's forward of the opening almost out of arms reach. You'll have to lay down on the floor and reach forward for it.

If you were sitting with your foot on the gas pedal, the relay (solenoid) would be about three inches from your foot on the other side (inside) of the doghouse wall.

The solenoid is picking (clicking) but not making internal contact. A very common failure.

You'll skin a few fingers and learn a few new swear words getting it out, but it can be done.

[Houndog]

Thank you Both sooooo much for taking the time to help me... I really Appreciate it..
Ted O.. (thought this one was cute)

[Houndog]

k Guys, I found the relay, actually up in the fender well, but now,, How do I get the part. Its a motorcraft P7H 22 a1 as far as I can tell.. On the web its not found , when I call salvo, they want to know what vehicle.. I tell the Ford F53 and they have no clue..p { margin: 0; }

[Rick Long]

Try Napa auto parts for the part... I assume you tried the axillary start switch which you must hold down while turning the key.. in case it's only a dead chassis battery.

Thats a FORD part.. call a Ford dealer.

[Houndog]

Yes it is a Ford part,, # sw-1951-c or e9tz-11450-b Relay.. $40

[subford]

Should be able to get it at any auto parts store:
ACDELCO part # F3914
Standard Motor Products part # SS598
BWD Heavy Duty #S5049HD
BWD Standard Duty #S5049

Note:
Auto Part Stores wrongly call it a starter solenoid and not a starter relay.

[Houndog]

Note:
Auto Part Stores wrongly call it a starter solenoid and not a starter relay.[/QUOTE]

Yes and only Ford knew what an F53 chassis was..

[Batman_777]

I thought clicking was usually an indication of a weak battery or low voltage. If it's the solenoid, I remember on an old car I could jumper the solenoid and start the engine. The solennoid engages the plunger to push the started gear into place.

[Houndog]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Batman_777 I thought clicking was usually an indication of a weak battery or low voltage. If it's the solenoid, I remember on an old car I could jumper the solenoid and start the engine. The solennoid engages the plunger to push the started gear into place.

This has a relay ahead of the solenoid , It was engaging but not making contact,,thus the clicking.. I replaced it , all is well.. Thanks again All for your reply's..

[subford]

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[rvrookie]

Hi,

I have a similar problem. I have tried the items mentioned above.

Original problem - no crank. Just a click.
1995 Pace arrow - F53

Tested battery - passed test but replaced it anyway as it was getting old.
Cleaned terminals on battery cables, and chassis ground. Tested continuity of the ground cable.

This didn't fix the problem.

Replaced the starter relay in the doghouse.

Still nothing

Tested relay - voltage on one side 12.5v, ignition to start and output is 12.3v, on the other terminal.

Tested park neutral switch - output of relay test is 0v with other than park or neutral.

Am I correct in assuming this confirms the relay is good?

Visual inspection on the starter connections looks ok. I have 2 red wires one large - one small going to the starter solenoid.

Can anyone think of anything else before I pull the starter?

Thanks,
John

[subford]

Remove the smaller red wire at the starter solenoid down on the starter and cut off about one inch of wire.
Crimp on a new spade connector and push it on the stater solenoid. It should now start. Very common problem.
You can also test to see if the spade is bad by wiggling it and see if it will start.

The below image diagram is for a truck but it is wired the same.


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