Starter problems with 1997 F-150 4.6L - ie. won't start with brand new starter installed!?

Question

I haven't had any problems starting the truck, then went to fill up at the gas station jumped back in and all the starter did was click. So I installed a new starter, replace the battery cable connections at the battery terminal, and still nothing, just a click. Battery is good, tried jumping it just in case - nothing.

I can't think of any other reason it wouldn't start up. Need help!

Thank you.

Answer 1

What they said about the solenoid. Follow the large red battery cable and you'll get to the solenoid. They are about $50 at parts stores, maybe a bit less, and easy to change.

Yes, the ground needs to be tight.

Answer 2

starter sol. on the fire wall of the truck

Answer 3

starter relay. under the hood in the fuse block you will see two square relays a little bit smaller that a quarter. one is the EEC power relay one is the starter relay. less that $10 for a pair at the dealer, replace them both, vrooom

Answer 4

was flywheel looked at for missing teeth... starters can wear a flywheel out... clean both battery post and cable ends

Answer 5

Is the starter solenoid on the inner fender or firewall? If so, you can try to jump it across the two terminals and see if that helps. Use a plastic or rubber handled s***w driver to do it. If you use a wood handle, you'll get a pretty good jolt. The solenoids are inexpensive and easy to replace, and, often times are the actual cause of a no start condition, not the starter itself.