having to turn the key two or three times

[suthern kumfert]

hey,

i have a 1999 expedition with the 4.6. i live in columbus ga and when the cold came through it my expedition started to act as if it did not want to start on the first turn of the key so i had the battery checked and it was bad. so i replaced the battery and for about three days i had no problems, but then it started acting up again in that i had to turn the key about two or three times before it started. when i turned the key i have lights but i get no sound at all from the starter. i replaced the relay on the firewall and when i did that i disconnected the battery and everything worked for about three days again with no problems. but now i am starting to have these issues again. so now when i go out to start the truck i can either turn the key about three times or i can just hold the key in the start position for about two seconds and it then starts. can someone please help me with some advice on how to fix the problem.

 

[bedrck46]

could be the solenoid on the starter or possibly corrosion on the wires at the starter
Check and clean all wiring from the battery to the starter

If you need to replace the starter check on e-bay cost around $65.00 Much cheaper than auto zone or advanced auto and also you could have it ordered and delivered and not be in a rush if it is the starter going bad.

 

[suthern kumfert]

could be the solenoid on the starter or possibly corrosion on the wires at the starter
Check and clean all wiring from the battery to the starter

If you need to replace the starter check on e-bay cost around $65.00 Much cheaper than auto zone or advanced auto and also you could have it ordered and delivered and not be in a rush if it is the starter going bad.

ok i will have to check into the wires first and then if i have to i will order the starter. does this problem sound like a starter problem to you? or does it sound like a computer problem?

thanks for all the help.

 

[bedrck46]

doesn't sound like a computer problem
How many miles on the vehicle. Is it the original starter?
Do you understand wiring diagrams as I can send you copies of the wiring circuit.

 

[suthern kumfert]

doesn't sound like a computer problem
How many miles on the vehicle. Is it the original starter?
Do you understand wiring diagrams as I can send you copies of the wiring circuit.

Thanks for the quick response. it has 173,000 miles and as far as i know yes it is the original starter. as far as wiring i do understand wiring diagrams. i have a hanes manual will that have what you need? i did look at the wires and they seem to be ok. so do you think my next step is to order a starter then? I don't know that much as to how diagnose the problem so is this a common problem when the starter is going out?

 

[bedrck46]

Although the Hanes manual is OK but there is a better manual available Send me a private message and include your e-mail address I'll send you a copy of the starter diagram for the 99 expy and some information on where to get a Ford Manual on DVD

With that many miles on the starter it would be best to replace it

 

[suthern kumfert]

Although the Hanes manual is OK but there is a better manual available Send me a private message and include your e-mail address I'll send you a copy of the starter diagram for the 99 expy and some information on where to get a Ford Manual on DVD

With that many miles on the starter it would be best to replace it

Ok...sounds like a plan...i am sending you a message now....thanks

 

[bedrck46]

reply sent to you

 

[splintrcel]

Sometimes the gear indicator cable can get out of alignment so its barely indicating reverse instead of park to the computer so it wont allow the vehicle to start up. If you dont get a response from the turning the key try moving the gear shifter up and see if that makes a difference. If it does you just need to adjust the gear indicator which is easy.

 

[secondechomatt]

definitely check the cables going to the starter. These things are notorious for corroding up. It's a great recipe to kill a starter, make starting slow and just all around frustrating.