1997 Ford F-150 Warning bells and not starting

WACK

MEMBER
1997 FORD F-150
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
110,000 MILES

For about the last month I have had warning bells go off when opening drivers door like I have left the lights on and or left the key in ignition when I have not left the keys in or lights on. Recently I have turned the key and it acts like no power is getting to the starter, only to have it start up later, with out doing anything to it. This has happened twice now. I have a new battery, plenty of power, both times it didn't start I tried a batter jump starter with no effect. Both times it was just above freezing and slushy road conditions. (I'm in WI.) I have 1 mechanic suggesting bad ignition switch, another suggesting bad starter. I don't think that I have A theft prevention ignition system. What causes the warning bell to go off and is it related to not starting?

2 Replies

WACK

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Both times it didn't start, the motor was warm, the temperature was right around freezing or slightly warmer. The roads wet and slushy. First time the truck had been driven, parked for about 1/2 hour and it would not start. Started up first try the next day which was colder temp, in the 20's. The second time it was parked about 15 minutes and wouldn't start. Started up about 20 minutes later.

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Saturday, January 5th, 2008 AT 10:28 PM

WACK

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Well, I crawled under and the positive wire was tight. I removed it, cleaned up the connection good and put it back together. I also cleaned up the other large wire going to the starter. Worked for about 1 week. First time it didn't start, I crawled under and tapped on the starter with a wrench. It started. I got A new starter, took it to a friend and he discovered a short in the 3rd wire attached to the starter. The small wire clips on a little tab on the starter. Cleaned it up, and it's been working fine so far.
Now, the warning bells are driving me nuts! Keys out, lights off, open the door and ding ding ding ding ding.

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Tuesday, January 29th, 2008 AT 10:02 AM