Starting problem: I turn the key on and everything on the dashboard comes on, all the lights work, but the truck wont start?
I used to be able to giggle the shift around and it would start, but now even that doesn't work! I have insured that the battery is fully charged and even put a booster charge on and tried to start it, no luck? Others have told me its some kind of sensor,but i don't know where to look or what kind of a sensor it is? I would appreciate any advice you can provide, my mechanical abilities went away in the late 70's when they complicated things! Thank You, Paul
My car has 200000 miles.
My car has 200000 miles.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello. Try checking underneath the steering column where there should be two torque headed screws that connect the shift lever to the cable. These tend to get loose or even fall out sometimes. There are also bushings in the shifter tube that can wear out which will also cause this to happen. Lastly, check the shifter cable down at the transmission. Although this is a bit more uncommon, it is still possible that this may cause this kind of problem when it becomes loose. If you need some assistance with this, a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose the starting issue and have it corrected.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Dead or Weak Battery
The battery provides the electrical power needed to start the engine. If the battery is dead or weak, it may not provide enough power, causing the engine to turn over but not start.
The most common reasons a Ford F-150 key won`t turn are a binding steering column/lock, an ignition switch issue, or a problem with the ignition key.
Why won`t my car start but I have power? If you attempt to start up your car but the engine won`t turn over and the dashboard lights up, then you most likely have an issue with your battery. You could have a damaged or corroded battery terminal, which is stopping the engine from starting up when you fully turn the key.
Clogged Fuel Injectors
If the car cranks when you turn the key, but the engine won`t start, it could be because fuel isn`t getting to the engine. One potential reason for this could be dirty fuel injectors. Over time, the fuel injector nozzles can become clogged with rust, corrosion or debris.
Most modern cars have a dash light that indicates that the anti-theft system has been triggered. The icon for the anti-theft system looks like a car and a lock combination. When this light is on and flashing (it will be either or blue), it will indicate that your car`s anti-theft system is activated.
The 2000 Ford F-150 has an anti-theft system called the Securilock™ Passive Anti-Theft System. The passive part means that the system activates automatically anytime the car is off, the doors are shut, and the key isn`t in the ignition.
If nothing happens when you turn the ignition key to the “Start” position, it means that the starter motor doesn`t turn over the engine. Most commonly this could be caused by a low battery; read above How to check the battery.
The easiest way to start a Ford F-150 without a key is to use a flat-head screwdriver as leverage. You simply put the flat head of the screwdriver into the ignition and turn it as you would your normal key.
What If My Key Fob Battery Dies? A dead battery in your key fob means it can`t broadcast the signal the ignition system is looking for. If your car or truck can`t detect the correct signal, then the ignition will remain locked, and you won`t be able to start your car with the fob in your pocket.
Flat or faulty car battery
A flat battery is the most common reason your car won`t start and can be caused by a number of things, such as lights being left on, something in the electrical system causing a battery drain, or even a faulty battery that won`t hold its charge.
Hard start symptoms and starter failure may NOT be caused by the starter, but could actually be caused by the crankshaft position sensor. If your vehicle is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, the crankshaft sensor may be at fault.
Connected to the battery is the alternator, which works to generate power for your vehicle`s electrical components. When you have a brand-new battery but still can`t start the car, the alternator might be the issue. Cold and damp climates may increase wear on an alternator, causing it to fail.
If the security or anti-theft light is flashing when you attempt to start your car, and the engine does not crank or does not start, you have an anti-theft problem. The system may not be recognizing your key or keyless entry signal, or there may be a fault in the anti-theft module, keyless entry system or wiring.
The Anti-Theft Alarm system will warn you of an unauthorized entry to your vehicle. It will be triggered if a door, luggage compartment, or hood is opened without using the key, remote control, or keyless entry keypad.
The ECM is in control of just the engine functions while the PCM controls functions for both the engine and the transmission.
Your engine control unit is responsible for making sure your F150 properly adjusts fuel and ignition levels so that your engine performs optimally. When you`re unable to start your pickup for seemingly no reason and notice a dramatic drop in fuel economy, it`s time for a new F150 engine control computer at AutoZone.
Depending on the application and the controller hardware, there are several ways to perform bypassing. One way is to use bypass hooks or service calls to jump from the controller to the real-time system. Another method is to change values in the memory (RAM) to overwrite specific outputs of the functions.
A ghost immobiliser includes systems that prevent key cloning, signal jamming and device spoofing – all methods that thieves use to unlock cars with standard immobilisers. This means that even if a thief is able to somehow get into your car, they won`t be able to drive it away.
Having all the lights go out completely when you crank is typical of loose terminals, loose ground, dead cell in battery, a really discharged battery, or a dead short somewhere. The volt meter will tell you alot.
Failing Battery or Starter Motor
If a battery is low on energy, or if the connections are loose, your engine may be able to crank, but it may not start–or it may take several tries. Similarly, a starter motor that`s beginning to fail may still crank the engine, but won`t be powerful enough for it to start.
Transponder chips are designed so they can`t be bypassed in any way, basically meaning you won`t be able to start your car without the chip present. An authorized dealership will be able to read the required frequency from your vehicle and create a replacement transponder key fob for you.
Problem Description
If the engine cranks but will not start, this may be caused by damaged wiring to the high pressure fuel pump. Wiring to the pump can be chafed, which causes the pump to stop working. The chafed wires will need to be accessed and repaired.
If you only hear a single click as you try to start the car, it could be an electrical problem with the starter solenoid or starter relay. A faulty or corroded starter solenoid tends to absorb the electrical current meant for the starter motor.
If you only hear a single click as you try to start the car, it could be an electrical problem with the starter solenoid or starter relay. A faulty or corroded starter solenoid tends to absorb the electrical current meant for the starter motor.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Okay so when I turn my lights on at night my brake lights do not work, when I don’t have my lights on they work fine.
ANSWER : Hi there. Based on your inquiry, it’s highly probable that you have a damaged light switch or some electrical fault inside the turn signal relay. However, it’s also possible that the brake switch above the brake pedal could also be the source of your problem. Due to the fact that multiple electrical components might be causing this issue, it’s a smart idea to first have a professional mobile mechanic complete a brake lights are not working inspection, so they can determine what’s causing all of these issues and recommend the right repairs.
I parked my truck for 5-10 mins. Tried to turn it on, now it wont start, called a tow tow truck 15-20mins later my truck turned on
ANSWER : It is very likely that you have a powertrain control module failure. This can happen often on many GM vehicles. I would recommend having the powertrain control module tested and replaced as necessary in order to resolve this issue. After the powertrain control module is replaced, a reflash procedure will be required so that the vehicle can relearn all of its primary engine data. Once the reflash is completed, your vehicle should no longer have this issue.
Starting problem: I turn the key on and everything on the dashboard comes on, all the lights work, but the truck wont start?
ANSWER : Hello. Try checking underneath the steering column where there should be two torque headed screws that connect the shift lever to the cable. These tend to get loose or even fall out sometimes. There are also bushings in the shifter tube that can wear out which will also cause this to happen. Lastly, check the shifter cable down at the transmission. Although this is a bit more uncommon, it is still possible that this may cause this kind of problem when it becomes loose. If you need some assistance with this, a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose the starting issue and have it corrected.
When i put the key in, nothing turns on.
ANSWER : Hi There,
It sounds like you have a faulty ignition switch that may be working intermittently. You may also have an ignition relay that is beginning to fail or work intermittently causing the power to be randomly existent as you describe. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to take a look at your car to diagnose your electrical problem.
It sounds like you have a faulty ignition switch that may be working intermittently. You may also have an ignition relay that is beginning to fail or work intermittently causing the power to be randomly existent as you describe. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to take a look at your car to diagnose your electrical problem.
Put key in ignition. Lights and everything come on for a second, then went off as I turned the key. Now no power, key stuck
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. This sounds like your battery cable connections are corroded or loose at the battery. Try to see if the battery connections are loose by wiggling them and see if power returns. If power returns, then have the cables removed, cleaned, and reconnected to test the battery. Hope this helps and best of luck!
My 2011 truck does not start all lights on dashboard turn on like normal but it will not start and it started showing a advancetra
ANSWER : Hi there. If you are able to turn the key and the engine cranks over; but won’t ignite, the issue will be caused by an ignition or fuel system component failure. If you are unable to crank the engine over, this is due to either the ignition relay or the starter itself. You might benefit from having one of our mobile mechanics come to your location and complete a car is hard to start inspection.
Battery and oil light come on when trying to start car, take keys out try again car starts no problem and lights go away
ANSWER : Of course, don’t switch gears without being fully stopped, unless your Owner’s Manual or the manufacturer has alternative advice. However, the gear shift issue has no relation to the no-start problem you are describing. Inasmuch as you only have 6,000 miles on the car, the "constant on and off" that you believe has occurred is meaningless in comparison to the expected total vehicle service life. That is, assume what you perceive as "constant on and off", during merely 6,000 miles, might be equivalent to using the car "normally" for three years. A new car should be trouble free for at least 5 years, unless there is a defect, so your "constant on and off" is not a causal factor for any fault on the vehicle. What you might have is a defect in the ignition switch, or perhaps the immobilizer system, but if the problem is not in the switch itself, clearly there is an electrical problem.
If your vehicle is under warranty, by law the dealer MUST repair the issue you are describing within a prescribed time frame and number of "attempts", otherwise the dealer will run afoul of Federal and state Lemon Laws that give you very specific rights, and recourse (contact an Attorney; we are Mechanics, NOT attorneys). Consequently, if the vehicle is still under warranty, to save yourself money do be sure to seek a resolution from the dealer. If the vehicle is not under warranty, obviously a certified Mechanic from YourMechanic could identify the electrical fault and resolve this for you. If you want to go that route, please simply request a no start diagnostic -electrical system and the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
Dash, Tail/brake, dome, trunk, glovebox, and door lights won’t work, dash doing weird things.
ANSWER : Hi there. Sure would appear a lot is going on electrically all at once. This could be, a problem in the PDC (power distribution center). The PDC is typically located under the hood and contains numerous fuses and relays. I don’t believe any one fuse will resolve all of the electrical issues. There is a possibility, it is not a power supply issue. It may be, the result of a poor electrical ground common to the inoperative components. Proper circuit testing should be performed. This would confirm the cause of multiple electrical failures. I recommend having your vehicle’s electrical problems be diagnosed and repaired by a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic.
