Fickle Starter

[Albert]

My wife has a 97 Ford F150 that I replaced the starter in 2-3 months ago. The problem I'm having is that since it has turned cold the starter will not engage unless I lay under the truck and tap it with a hammer while she turns the key. This only happens when her truck has sat out in the cold. When the truck is warm it will turn right over, any body have any ideas what is causing this and a way to fix it?

[Big Buck Buster]

Sounds to me like you have a starter that needs to be brought back for warranty. When you tap on the starter, you are making the solenoid make a good contact inside. There is probable a burnt spot on the solenoid disc.

Make sure that all the wires to the starter are tight. Does this starter have the updated s-terminal end on the wire? They started sending new ends to be used with the starters with an eyelet on one end, instead of a spade terminal.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I'd also take a good look at the s-terminal (smaller of the 2 wires). There are a well know cause of no cranks on many ford products. Otherwise I agree on getting it replaced under warranty.

Please tell me you didn't buy it at checker or autozone!?!?!

[zamboni]

O'Reilly is worse, AirJer. Had an 87 F250 once and went through a ton of their rebuilt starters. I was living in Kansas City and O'Reilly is headquartered out of Springfield, MO and O'Reillys are on almost every other block down there

[walleyehunterc15]

buy a new starter instead of new junk rebukt starters just get a new one and be done with it

[Jeremy airjer W]

buy a new starter instead of new junk rebuilt starters just get a new one and be done with it

I think you might be surprised to find out that a quality re manufactured unit will have many if not all new parts (except the case, nose cone, maybe the armature, and permanent magnets if equipped. Some will even use O.E. parts when aftermarket wont do.

We have very good luck with the NAPA line and rarely see an issue with them. Local re builders are also a good option. Many don't think of it but many manufacturers also offer remanufactured starters at competitive prices.

[pheasantpro10]

Hey Albert I was just looking on here my 99 is doing the same thing. First I thoght it was my battery then I couldn't get my hood to release finally got that to open now it won't shut. Found that my battery is good so do you think I have a starter problem it does the same thing starts good when it's warm but not when it's cold??

[Sniper07]

Albert is my other handle that I don't use unless I have to. As for my starter I haven't worked on it yet due to nasty weather (rain). As for your hood not closing, you will need to spray the h.e.c.k outta the lower release where the cable is attached and work it back and forth with a screw driver to get the buildup off it. Use PB Blaster if you can it seems to work the best. Then close and open the hood a few times and it should fix it. I spray mine down once a month or so to keep it from happening again. Hope this helps.