2000 Ford F150 Starter issues

2000 FORD F-150
80,000 MILES • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
FFELROD
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I'm lost. I first began having issues with the truck not starting. I would get one click and nothing. Battery tested and is fine. Alternater and Starter tested fine as well. I cleaned all contacts off the relay switch. Truck started, but starter seemed to stay on--keep cranking even when in gear.

I replaced the relay switch. I connected the wires again and when I connected the negative wire on the battery it began cranking without the key being in the ignition. I figured that I wired incorrectly, so I tried about every scenario for wiring and always the same thing. Without the key in the ignition the starter began to turn over.

Replaced the ignition switch and the relay switch again thinking maybe I got a bad one and the ignition switch only cost $20.

SAME THING! I just touch the negative battery wire to the battery terminal and the starter tries to crank over.

I've about had it and I'm about to throw in the towel. Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Am I continuing to wire it incorrectly which is fusing the relay switch?
Mar 10, 2010 at 11:06 PM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.
Advertisement
Avatar
BLACKOP555
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 10,386 POSTS
ok. positive side of battery cable goes to starter relay on the one side. on the other side is the other positive cable that goes to the starter on the back side for the windings.

the negative cable goes to engine ground.

you could have gotten a faulty relay.

if you replace the relay and the battery isnt 100% charged it can weld itself shut.

pull off the s+ terminal wire going to it. does that prevent it from cranking?
Mar 11, 2010 at 9:33 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
FFELROD
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you VERY much for your help!!

Here's the crazy thing--I connect the battery cable to the starter relay. No other wires connected to the starter relay (including the ignition wire). When the negative wire is touched to the battery, the starter turns over.

I'm not sure if the battery is at a full charge. I took it to O'Reilly's. It only had a half charge, so they put a quick charge on it prior to testing. I've dropped the battery back in the truck after that.

Thanks again!!!
Mar 11, 2010 at 11:26 AM
Avatar
BLACKOP555
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 10,386 POSTS
deffinetely want a new starter relay and a fully charged battery. then try it again!
Mar 12, 2010 at 7:36 AM