1996 Ford F-150 My F-150 clicks when trying to start

XXNYIXX

MEMBER
1996 FORD F-150
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
162,157 MILES

I just was given a 1996 F150 that sat for a year. I went to start it today for the first time & ofcourse the battery was dead, I jumped it with my Jeep. All electrical that was on when I jumped it sprang back to life. I shut everything down {radio, AC.} As I went to try to start it all I got was clicking from the starter.
Im guessing this is a problem with the starter, but I just wanted some insight from anyone with a mechanics background. Im pretty good with working on my own car, but I am novice.

So what im asking is. Can it just be the starter?
Could it not be getting enough juice from the jump?
I checked all fuses & they were all fine, what else can I check before taking the starter in for a check up?

thank you

John A Mirabella

4 Replies

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

After setting for a year that battery is toast. When you try and jump batt absorbes all the current. Replace battery and I think you we be good to go.

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Saturday, June 28th, 2008 AT 2:53 PM

XXNYIXX

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2 POSTS

I thank you so much for the quick reply. Im going to drive over to the truck now. Ill take the battery out of the jeep, put it in the truck & take it from there. Hopefully thats the only issue. The truck was in fine working order before the year long sitting. If the battery doesnt do it, then ill reassess the situation from there.

Thank you again

John A Mirabella

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Saturday, June 28th, 2008 AT 3:29 PM

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Yuor welcome make sure you clean batt term

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Saturday, June 28th, 2008 AT 3:33 PM

XXNYIXX

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2 POSTS

Soooooo I got to the truck. Took out the Jeep Battery. Tossed it into the Truck & tried to start it.

First try. Started without any kind of hesitation. Thank you again for your assistance on this issue. I would never have imagined that even with a brand new battery in the jeep that the dead truck battery would cause the jump to not work. Looks like this payday im buyin a new battery.

Driving it home I heard some ticking as I gave her gas. I told the previous owner it sounded like an arm clicking, but he said he had it checked out in 06 & was told it was an exaust leak somewhere. Looks like thats my next project

Thank you again

John A Mirabella

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Sunday, June 29th, 2008 AT 12:28 PM