My engine will not crank over?

Hello,

I did some checking and it looks like you may have an ignition switch that has gone out, here is a wiring diagram and a guide to help you confirm the problem. See how the radio and turn signals come off of the one terminal?

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

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

This could be why the engine stopped as well.

Please run some tests and get back to us so we can continue helping you.

I replace the starter and battery on my truck, I replaced the battery at the same time. I removed the battery replaced the starter then put the new battery in after. I went to the cab and tried to start it and nothing. I went to the starter solenoid and jumped the power to the signal terminal and the engine started to crank over. I went into the fuse box after this and jumped the power terminals on the plug in and the truck started. I shut off the truck and attempted again with no start again. I then switched the replay out and attempted again with no start. after this I checked the fuse for the ignition and starter replay and the looked fine. it seems like I am not getting power to the switch terminal (85) on the starter relay. I am lost at this point. any help would be appreciated.

Check fuses 101(30A) and 102 (20A) for power with a test light. I have had fuses that looked fine that were bad.

Run a security system reset first. Modern vehicles have a bad habit of activating that when they lose battery power. In your case if you look at the wiring diagram, you can see the connection to the PCM. That is how it disables the start circuit. It simply removes the ground from the relay and instantly you have no control of the starter relay. If you can move the shifter, run it through the gear positions and back to park.


As a future reference to a new mechanic. Get a battery jump pack. Connect it up to either the battery connections at the fuse panel or check if a power outlet inside has power with the key off and plug in there. Then change the battery. This is even more important on cars with a lot of programmable features.

The truck listed above has a new crate motor about 30,000 on motor. We replaced shift cable went to check it and when to just turn the truck on to make sure it was showing in park like it should, but they turned it too far with the transmission piece undone now truck will not start.

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

It sounds like they have the linkage out of adjustment and the vehicle does not realize it is in park. I have attached three pictures for you to review. The first one is an exploded view of the unit. The next two show the adjuster and the locking tab that needs to be released for the adjuster to move. Once you loosen the adjuster, make sure the vehicle cannot move and manually push the shifter lever on the transmission all the way to park. Once that is done, make sure the column shifter is in park and make any minor adjustments to ensure the transmission is in park. If the cable is out of adjustment, the neutral safety switch will not allow the engine to start.

If you decide to check the switch itself, here are general directions for doing so:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-neutral-safety-switch-works


Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

Hello, I am Danny.

Sounds like you are having a problem with the shifter cable adjustment. If the cable was replaced and not adjusted properly the vehicle will not start. Cars these days are outfitted with a neutral/safety switch on the transmission. If the cable is not adjusted properly and transmission is actually in gear this switch prevents engine from starting in gear. This switch makes sure vehicle is only started in park and neutral. As you stated having the transmission switch or linkage undone will not allow vehicle to start. Neutral safety switch and linkage with cable must be properly connected and adjusted for proper function. These guides can help us fix it

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

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Please run down these guides and report back.

Danny-

I have a 2003 F150 that won't start. It makes a clicking sound and headlights are very dim. After I try to start it there is a clicking sound in the dash for a few seconds. I have replaced the starter relay and this did not sove the problem. It appears to be some sort of relay problem but which one?

with the head lights being dim, I'm inclined to think of a weak battery, or poor electrical connections. this guide can help you fix it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

Please run down this guide and report back.

that was the problem thanks for the guide this site is great!

Nice work, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.