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My 99F-150 5,speed will not start,I have checked the battery and its good. We here a wirnning noice comming from under the hood. We have tryed jumpping the cilanlored with a screw driver, Sometimes that will work. and we dont even have to have the cluch depress

Submitted: 1043 days and 21 hours ago.

Category: Ford

Value: $15

Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION

Accepted Answer

What happens when you try to start it normally with the key? Describe any noises, lights or anything else. How did you check the battery? Use a digital voltmeter (analog would work too) connected to battery terminals. Record the voltage. Watch the voltmeter while turning the key to start, and hold it for 10-15 seconds. If the voltage goes below 9.6, the battery is probably bad (unless it is extremely cold when this test is done). Recharge the battery with a plug in charger or attempt to jump start the vehicle.

If it starts when the solenoid is jumped, the battery is probably good. But it should start every time like that. Make sure the key is turned to RUN position when jumping the solenoid. The clutch switch could cause a no-start. Jumping the solenoid will bypass the clutch switch, so make sure it is not in gear. Use the voltmeter to check for voltage on the small wire at the solenoid. The small tan/red stripe wire at the solenoid should get powered up with 12 volts when key is in START position and the clutch is depressed. The tan/red wire is the same as the dark blue/orange stripe wire at the clutch switch connector. The clutch switch is mounted on the clutch pedal assembly:

Can you describe the noise more, and try to locate it using a listening device? This can be a crude stethoscope or just a rubber hose held to the ear. Move the hose around trying to locate the noise source.

Edited by Brian on 1/15/2007 at 11:12 AM

Accepts:
Expert:	Brian
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Answered:	1/15/2007

Auto Service Technician

5 years Ford Technical Hotline/Service Engineer. 2005 Ford Master Cert. Automotive Technology degree

1043 days and 20 hours ago.

Reply

We had battery checked at auto parts store, we have no volt meter tester available to us.The noise seems to be comming from the distributor.Sometimes when we try starting it normally it will start right away, other times there is nothing but the whining noise, or nothing at all.We have always had lights, radio, ect. even when it dose nothing at all.

Edited by XXXXX X. XXXXXX on 1/15/2007 at 12:03 PM

Posted by Brian 1043 days and 19 hours ago.

Answer

Thank you for the information. I would recommend getting a cheap votmeter (sometimes called a multimeter). You should be able to find one from $5-20 that will be fine for this. Harbor Freight Tools sells one for cheap, or check WalMart or other discount store. Typically, a parts store battery test is fine, but sometimes it can miss a bad battery. It would really help to see what the voltage does when the no-start is happening. Also, if it is not starting several times in a row, try jump starting it. If it starts, then I would focus more on the battery. Don't be fooled by certain items that stay working. It is possible to have a partially charged battery that will power up lights and accessories but not have enough power to start the engine.

This truck doesn't have a distributor. Is it the starter that makes the noise? Describe it if you aren't sure what it's called. The alternator can sometimes make weird whining noises.

If there is a clutch switch problem, it may help to wiggle it around when trying to start the truck. This might be a two-person job. If the truck starts when the switch is wiggled, look for a loose connection or broken/damaged wires.

Also,

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