i own a 2003 F-350 lariate super duty extended cab.

Last year the transmission went on me and i bought a new one.

now the truck has died on me again this weekend. i was at a stop light and it just died. no sputter, no noise just stopped. i had it towed to my home.

checked the fluids and the oil was extrememly low, i had added oil about a month ago so i didnt think it needed it so quickly. I hope i havent seized my engine!!

here's the deal, when i turn the key, i have power, radio works, lights etc.. when i turn the key completly i get one click and then nothing, so i dont think its the starter. ive added oil since and im still getting nothing. the battery is six months old and im getting power to it so its not that. it is winter here as im in massachusetts so it is about 35 degree's out.

could it be my altinator? how would i know so i dont just buy one and replace it and have it still not start??

please help, and please be kind as i know it could be a seized engine due to lack of oil but im looking for help not critisism.

dan-

 

get under vehicle and inspect starter motor where the electrical
lines connect
it is not unusual for the primary cable (that will be the largest of the
wires) rusting to the point of breaking at the connection to the starter
assembly

even with the primary wire disconnected, the rest of the electrical system
(less the starter) will function

that clicking sound is the solenoid switch kicking in but without the primary
wire providing power to the starter motor itself, nothing else will happen

if this is the case, the fix is to get the cable assembly or harness that will
connects the battery, the firewall connections and the starter
(runs in excess of 100 dollars)

hope this helps
(anything is better than a frozen crankcase)

 

thanks for the help, anyone else have any idea's??
im not that educated in fixing trucks or knowing too much about them, im most likely going to have it towed again to a dealer or mechanic. im just looking for an answer so im not getting screwed when i bring it it. unless it were the altinator, i know how to replace that.

 

Is this a diesel or a gas truck? Kinda makes a difference cause they have different electrical systems...

 

if its a gas truck, i had something similar happen to my old f150. the starter got clogged up with mud and was completely toast, and it made that clicking noise youre talking about. but if its diesel, thats a whole nother story

 

My dad had something almost just like this happen to a 97 F150. It was the primary wire from the starter to the battery. It corroded into. Ford wanted like $400 to fix and we did it for less than $100. Bought a battery cable, and changed the ends.

 

Its gas Not deisel.
I do appreciate everyones help. I honestly dont even know where to look for the starter or the main wire. if anyone could help me i could look and take pictures for more help. if this is something i could do or maybe find a neighbor of mine to help id rather do that then get into spending too much money. Gas up here is enough out of my pocket at $3.10 a gallon.

 

350 starter pic
www.monte-list.nu/.../gfx/starters/P1010066.JPG

open the hood
find the battery
follow the red cables (these are the
positive ((+)) cables) from
the battery to the back of
the engine and then down

get under the vehicle
(in park or in gear with emergency
brake on and wheels chocked)
relocate the wires identified above
as they go to the starter
usually there are three wires connecting
to the starter
the largest of which is the primary
if any is not connected/broken,
you have a fairly cheap fix
(110 dollars last time i looked, if you
fix it yourself)

if this is the problem go to ford parts and
purchase replacement wiring harness

take note of each of the connections-this is most
important
make sure to disconnect the battery before
you do anything else
start at the battery and work towards the starter
with your disconnections
once removed, install new harness (starting at the
battery-note:do not connect to battery until all other
connections are complete)

with the correct tools, this fix takes about 45 minutes at most

 

Thanks so much everyone! i'll take a look and see if i notice anything. If this is the problem i'll let you know how it goes.either way ill keep it updated, someone else may run into the same problem someday.
thanks again
Dan

 

I had that happen to my '99 because of the salt... didn't leave me stranded because I just pushed then popped the clutch in 1st... started right up...