Ford F350

FRED LANDON

MEMBER
1935 FORD F-350

I have a problem with starting my (2001 F350, 7.3 Diesel, with 193,000 miles) lately. When I go and try to turn the key over there is a clicking noise, but the truck trys to turn over and doesn't ( sometimes this can go on for a few trys). Then I take the key out and try it again( there again sometimes this works) then it starts. Now take this in concideration, my truck is a Diesel. I don't know if it is the ignition, or some thing else. :)

2 Replies

SHEEPMAN 1234

MEMBER
5 POSTS

I had a similar problem with my 2001 F350 Diesel. It sounds as if you have low battery voltage. The click you are hearing is most likely the starter solenoid. I would start by having the batteries tested. A common proplem with these vehicles is the solenoid that turns on the glow plug. If this solenoid fails it keeps the glow plug on continously and drains your batteries. I doubt if this is your problem since it sometimes starts. The batteries can test good with a volt meter but go down under load. Have them tested with a load tester.

Oh there is no ignition system on a diesel. The heat of compression lights off the fuel. If it cranks (spins the engine), and has no mechanical problems causing compression loss, it has ignition.

My parenthesis were not meant as a talk down. I spent many years as a tech rep and am aware that sometimes terms are misunderstood.

Hope this helps.