starter not working ?

2007 FORD F-150
150,000 MILES • 5.4L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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POKEBEAR69
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I put in new high performance coil packs i started the truck. No problem drove to AutoZone had it hooked up to computer it said cylinder 6 misfire i drove it approximately 10 minutes back. i put in new headlight aftermarket assembly they hook right up. Turn it on a couple times to check them out. No problem. I come back to the truck two hours later. I hear rapid clicking sound i thought it was starter. i had my friend try to start it while I was under truck the sound came from the starter. so I changed it bought new. I hooked the positive and the negative backwards. It made a sound that was getting louder and louder i immediately unhooked the positive cable. I notice now the battery is dead. So I try jump it off. I turn the key to the on position. All lights are on and not dim. After 10 minutes the battery needle gauge reads a little over the halfway. I try to start it clicks and shows now power I turn the key back and all this while it's still hooked to the jumper cables. I replace the battery still no luck it click. Kind of like an on off switch hearing like another click from the fun box located on the passenger side floor the fuse panel. I believe its the starter relay fuse. I need help.
Apr 22, 2021 at 12:55 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

When you say clicking, it makes me think of a relay. Is it possible for you to record what is happening and upload it for me to see and hear?

As far as the starter relay and fuses, they are located in the central junction box. It's under the dash, left side.

If you look at pics 1 and 2, I included the wiring schematic for the starting system. Pic 3 shows the fuse locations and the relay. I circled the relay and highlighted the fuses. When checking the fuses, make sure there is power to them. Here is a link you may find helpful:

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

Also, if there is another relay with the same part number, switch them. If there isn't, here is a link that shows how to test a relay:

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

I have a feeling we have a fuse issue. Let me know if all other electrical components are working properly.

Take care,
'
Joe

See pics below.
Apr 22, 2021 at 1:38 PM
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POKEBEAR69
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I bought a new relay and still same thing; clicked once when turn over and again once when I turned the key back down by the fuse box in the passenger right corner. my battery terminal wires are clean and I have a brand new battery and starter.
Apr 23, 2021 at 9:00 AM
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POKEBEAR69
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I have a video trying to upload when I try to start.
Apr 23, 2021 at 9:00 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I will watch for the video. Also, is the gear indicator working showing it is in park? I'm questioning if the transmission range sensor was damaged and preventing it from starting. Just for the heck of it, see if it starts in neutral. Also, pay attention to the gear indicator to confirm it is accurate.

Next, we need to see if power even is making it to the starter. First, confirm there is 12v to the starter direct from the battery. It should be present at all times.

If that is good, have a helper turn the key to the start position while you check for power to the yellow wire with the light blue tracer at the starter S terminal. That wire should get 12v only when the key is in the start position.

I attached a picture below showing which wire I am referring to that connects to the S terminal.

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

Let me know what you find. If we find there is no power to the S terminal wire, we will need to work backwards to see where it is lost. Also, if you haven't already, make sure to check the fuses I indicated in my first post.

I will watch for your reply.


Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
Apr 23, 2021 at 11:01 AM
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POKEBEAR69
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what if the check engine light is blinking then stops blinking? i will check the gear indicator.
Apr 23, 2021 at 12:10 PM
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POKEBEAR69
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Okay, I am able to put it in neutral and it does show what gear I'm in. I put new spark plugs in I double check everything it has got to be a fuse issue. I replaced the starter relay but when you turn to start it clicks in the fuse box area and when I turn the key backwards it clicks.
Apr 23, 2021 at 12:54 PM
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POKEBEAR69
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When I turn the key over the red light on the dash stays on until I turn the key off.
Apr 23, 2021 at 1:03 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
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Hi,

Is it the anti-theft light (red light)? If so, check fuse 28 in the central junction box under the dash. That powers the passive anti-theft module (PATS). Pic 1 shows the schematic for the system. Pic 2 shows the fuse location.

Check that fuse and make sure there is power to and from it.

Let me know what you find. Also, confirm it is the anti-theft light you are referring to. One last thing, can you check to confirm the clicking is coming from the starter relay? I highlighted it relay in pic 3. It is in the central junction box as well. Place a finger on it and you should be able to feel the click if that is the correct relay.

Let me know.

Joe

Apr 23, 2021 at 2:23 PM
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POKEBEAR69
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The light im talking is on the dash towards the windshield and when i'm in the truck the key out and doors closed I hear a ticking like you hear on a watch over and over.
Apr 23, 2021 at 3:41 PM
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POKEBEAR69
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Could it be possible that I shorted something out when hooking up new led headlights?
Apr 24, 2021 at 6:39 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
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Hi,

It is possible. I don't know exactly what was done.

Can you tell approx where the ticking is coming from? Is it under the dash? Have you checked to see if you can determine if it is one of the relays in the central junction box?

As far as the red light, they are all on the dash toward the windshield. LOL Can you tell if it is a check engine light, oil pressure light, temperature light, brake light, anti-theft light, and so on?

If this problem just started since you wired led's, the easiest thing to do is undo what you have done and see if things go back to normal.

I attached a pic below showing the central junction box under the dash. I highlighted each relay. Touch each one with a finger and see if you can feel the clicking. That will help us determine which circuit is having issues.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
Apr 24, 2021 at 12:41 PM
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