The car starter is not getting power

SKEPTICHAN

MEMBER
2005 FORD EXPEDITION
5.4L
V8
AUTOMATIC
300,000 MILES

I have replaced a bad starter after having it tested, but the new will not engage unless the starter is jumped from the battery. What should I check first as in ignition switch? Any known fuses? I have swapped the starter relay with the accessory delay relay and result. Just need some advice on where to start. Appreciate any help.

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

There is a fuse that powers the relay. It is fuse 101 (30 amp) see the attached pic.

Next, this can be related to a neutral safety switch. Try placing the shifter in neutral to see if it works.

Pics 2 and 3 are the entire starting system. I had to cut it in two to make it readable. I did overlap the pics so you could follow them. Also, let me know if there is any noise when you try starting it.

Do me one other favor. Confirm that the gear indicator is showing park when it is in park. Also, here is a link that discusses how to check a starter and wiring. In addition, I added a few links you may find helpful when testing and checking.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-fuse-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Saturday, February 1st, 2020 AT 9:56 PM

SKEPTICHAN

MEMBER
19 POSTS

Yes that was the problem fuse 101. There is a bigger shutting off problem. However, after driving some the car will go shut off, but will start back afterwards. Sometimes the car will a while to start back up but sometimes immediate. Any ideas for what this is?

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Saturday, February 1st, 2020 AT 10:33 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

If it seems to happen when the engine is warm, it sounds like a crankshaft position sensor. Do me a favor. Take a look through this link and let me know if it seems to mirror what you experience.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

Let me know.

Joe

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Saturday, February 1st, 2020 AT 11:03 PM

SKEPTICHAN

MEMBER
19 POSTS

This could be a possibility. I don’t believe it to be a heat thing, but maybe I’m wrong. How easy is it to check and see the voltage on these sensors?

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Sunday, February 2nd, 2020 AT 5:54 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

The easiest thing to do is check for an RPM signal with a live data scanner. If you don't have one, see if there is spark to the plugs when cranking and it won't restart. Here is a link explaining how that is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Keep in mind, it could be fuel related too. Let me know what you find. If everything checks good, then we have to check for fuel related issues. If there is anything other you can think of that may help me diagnose the issue, let me know.

I will watch for your reply.

Joe