2001 Ford F350 7.3L Diesel Supplement 2nd Printing - Page 34
2001 Ford F350 Manual
Page 34 highlights
Minor troubleshooting guide IF THE ENGINE WON'T CRANK Turn on the headlights. If the lights are dim, do not go on at all or if when the ignition is turned to START the lights become dim or go out, the battery connections may be loose or corroded, or the battery may be discharged. If there is a clicking or stuttering sound coming from the engine compartment when you turn the key to START, this may also indicate a loose or corroded battery connection. Check the battery connections at the battery posts, cable connection to the engine grounding point and at the starter relay terminals. Also, make sure the relay bracket is securely fastened to its mounting surface. If the starter relay clicks, but the starter does not crank, check the connections at the starter terminal. If a discharged battery is suspected, have it checked and corrected. • For vehicles with manual transmissions, the clutch pedal must be fully depressed in order for the starter to operate. • For vehicles with automatic transmissions, the gearshift lever must be in Park or Neutral in order for the starter to operate. • Try operating the starter switch several times. Should the switch be corroded, this operation may clean the contacts or make the switch temporarily operable until you can reach the dealer. • If all electrical connections are tight and you need assistance to start, see "Jump Starting Your Vehicle" in the Starting chapter. IF ENGINE CRANKS BUT WON'T START Prolonged starter cranking (in excess of 30 seconds) could cause damage to the starter motor. • Check the fuel gauge. You may be out of fuel. If the gauge shows that there is fuel in the tank, the trouble may be in the electrical system or the fuel system. If equipped with an auxiliary tank, be sure that the tank control switch is set for the tank with fuel and not on an empty tank. • Leaving the ignition key ON for over two minutes without starting may make starting difficult because the glow plugs will cease activation. Reset the system by turning the ignition key to OFF and then back to ON again. 34