# F-150 won't start

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/f-150-wont-start/53441>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** start, ford, f150\
**Created:** [August 13, 2010, 2:21am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/f-150-wont-start/53441 "2010-08-13T02:21:33Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![FoDaddy](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/fodaddy/32/717_2.png) [@FoDaddy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/FoDaddy)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2010, 2:21am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/f-150-wont-start/53441/1 "2010-08-13T02:21:33Z")

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My parents have 1997 F-150 4.6L 4x4 with about 82k on the clock. I was using it today to haul some stuff to the dump and to haul some gas cans to the gas station.  
  
  
  
 It started and drove fine as it always does. I dropped off the yard waste at the dump and proceeded to the gas station where filled up the truck (to the tune of $70) as an offer of application for letting me use the truck. I also filled up my 4 gas cans and secured them via bungee cord to keep them from moving about in the bed. I dropped the truck off and go on my way.  
  
  
  
 When I dropped the gas cans off, I got back in the truck and it wouldn’t start. I got a click/thunk and then nothing. The battery appears to be good, but I hooked up my battery charger to it just in case, I tried to start it again after about 4 hours on the charger and the same thing happened. I gave the starter a few whacks with a mallet and that didn’t improve the situation either.  
  
  
  
 I’m thinking it needs a new starter, but I’m more than willing to hear some other opinions.

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**Author:** ![FoDaddy](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/fodaddy/32/717_2.png) [@FoDaddy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/FoDaddy)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2010, 2:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/f-150-wont-start/53441/2 "2010-08-13T02:23:13Z")

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ugh, the spell checker failed me. I filled up the truck as a token of _appreciation_

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**Author:** ![Jet\_Fixer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/87869e/32.png) [@Jet\_Fixer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Jet_Fixer)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2010, 7:08am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/f-150-wont-start/53441/3 "2010-08-13T07:08:40Z")

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You might be exactly right, but before you score a replacement starter (since it flunked the mallet test) you might also check the battery w/ an ammeter and voltmeter, the cables, clamps and connectors and I’d also check the starter relay for a solid ground and good current flow when someone turns the ignition key. In the F150 '97, I think it’s on the right inside fender well. With 82K on it, it might be due for both the relay and starter, although the click is a good sign.  
Mark

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**Author:** ![FoDaddy](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/fodaddy/32/717_2.png) [@FoDaddy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/FoDaddy)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2010, 1:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/f-150-wont-start/53441/4 "2010-08-13T13:11:23Z")

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I tried to start it again this morning after the charger had been on overnight and weirdly it started right up. I dunno.