Calling all mechanics ... need help, van won't start

[thedreamthief]

1993 Ford E-150 5.0L V8.
Been sitting, unused for about 2 years.
Put in brand new battery. Van powers up ok. Electrical looks good from what I can tell (radio ok, headlights ok, interior lights ok, etc.).

When I try to crank the van, nothing happens.
Starter tests good.
I do hear a single click (like a relay) when I try to crank the van, but *it is not the starter clicking*. I am not sure what it is, or if it even matters.
The problem exists between the battery and the starter.
Fuses all seem good.
Any ideas?

 

[billfred]

1993 Ford E-150 5.0L V8.
Been sitting, unused for about 2 years.
Put in brand new battery. Van powers up ok. Electrical looks good from what I can tell (radio ok, headlights ok, interior lights ok, etc.).

When I try to crank the van, nothing happens.
Starter tests good.
I do hear a single click (like a relay) when I try to crank the van, but *it is not the starter clicking*. I am not sure what it is, or if it even matters.
The problem exists between the battery and the starter.
Fuses all seem good.
Any ideas?

take it to the shop. all that new stuff has computer electronics that are hard for shade tree mechanics to diagnose.

 

[thedreamthief]

take it to the shop. all that new stuff has computer electronics that are hard for shade tree mechanics to diagnose.

It's a 93 Ford Van. Not a lot of computer/electronic stuff in there. A fairly mechanically simple vehicle.

 

[xrsist]

It's a 93 Ford Van. Not a lot of computer/electronic stuff in there. A fairly mechanically simple vehicle.

their not that simple mate, you need to find where the click noise is coming from first

 

[DannoMight]

Tap on the starter with a hammer. Sometimes they get bound up when they are goin bad but usually you can hit them with a hammer and it will turn over.

 

[thedreamthief]

Tap on the starter with a hammer. Sometimes they get bound up when they are goin bad but usually you can hit them with a hammer and it will turn over.

Sorry, it's not the starter. I pulled the starter and had it tested. It tested fine.
It's almost like power isn't getting to the starter ... like I mentioned before, problem exists between battery and starter.

Thanks.

 

[jestro]

When ever I've had clicking, it's been a battery terminal problem. Take off the cables, clean the posts, put the cables back on and make sure they are snug.

 

[Y_lifter]

My money is on a bad starter relay or solenoid ?

There is a way to use a screw driver to short circuit across it to verify,
but you would probably electrocute youself.


or simply not enough juice to turn over the starter, hence the solenoid click, but enough to run the radio etc.

 

[theoak01]

My money is on a bad starter relay or solenoid ?

There is a way to use a screw driver to short circuit across it to verify,
but you would probably electrocute youself.


or simply not enough juice to turn over the starter, hence the solenoid click, but enough to run the radio etc.

thats what im thinkin

 

[thedreamthief]

I will check into the starter relay. That sounds reasonable. Might also be dead ignition.. the clicking noise is the starter relay from what I have found out. I don't know if the clicking noise means it is working ok or what, though.

 

[Y_lifter]

A Clicking relay in most cases means a low battery.. Not dead, but low.
Check and Tighten the batt terminals and Try jump starting the van
That would remove that as a cause. Especially the insides of the round cable connections as it has been sitting for a while and might need a wire brush taken to it until the insides are clean.


Or the relay is stuck or bad.

Bad Ignition would be more Unlikely IMO, and it would turn over but just not give you a spark and start

 

[heatherrae]

battery terminals have a bad connection? clean em and try again.

 

[xrsist]

battery terminals have a bad connection? clean em and try again.

excellent mechanical advise, a mother (soon to be) and a mechanic, not a bad women at all

 

[heatherrae]

excellent mechanical advise, a mother (soon to be) and a mechanic, not a bad women at all

Thanks I'm a jack of all trades...lol.

 

[Jon79]

mine wont start either

 

[thedreamthief]

Battery is brand new and the terminal connectors are all new (cables are not new though).
I believe we are narrowing it down to between the starter relay and the starter.

I am thinking it is a starter relay issue, or some derivative of that ... like bad connections, corroded connections, bad cables, etc.

 

[heatherrae]

yep maybe get new cables. That would be a cheap fix. I try to go from cheapest to most expensive in diagnosing this sort of thing...lol.

 

[xrsist]

Battery is brand new and the terminal connectors are all new (cables are not new though).
I believe we are narrowing it down to between the starter relay and the starter.

I am thinking it is a starter relay issue, or some derivative of that ... like bad connections, corroded connections, bad cables, etc.

if the click noise is coming from a relay and you know which one it is then change the relay

 

[HumorMe]

Cellanoid switch probably

 

[Mr. Black]

Put the key to the on position, then find the solenoid and short out the two main terminals (use a piece of wire or even a wrench). This should start your engine assuming your starter is good.

 

[thedreamthief]

Put the key to the on position, then find the solenoid and short out the two main terminals (use a piece of wire or even a wrench). This should start your engine assuming your starter is good.

Yes, this is exactly what I plan on doing. Thanks.
I found the relay at a local store for $10. I was worried it was going to be an expensive part.

I'm just trying to get the van going so I can sell it. The previous owner of the house left the van with me when he moved. It sat at the back of my property for a little under 2 years.

It's actually in pretty good condition. Since the previous owner is parapalegic, it's been modified with a wheelchair lift and power rotating captains chair and hand controls. Medium blue color, raised roof, custom van.

If anyone is interested, let me know. I am not sure on price yet. I will probably make another post selling it once I get it running and cleaned up.

 

[jestro]

Shhhooot, I've heard vans rigged up for a wheelchair are big bucks. Make sure you ask for enough.

 

[pintoca]

1993 Ford E-150 5.0L V8.
Been sitting, unused for about 2 years.
Put in brand new battery. Van powers up ok. Electrical looks good from what I can tell (radio ok, headlights ok, interior lights ok, etc.).

When I try to crank the van, nothing happens.
Starter tests good.
I do hear a single click (like a relay) when I try to crank the van, but *it is not the starter clicking*. I am not sure what it is, or if it even matters.
The problem exists between the battery and the starter.
Fuses all seem good.
Any ideas?

Klu, that you?

 

[thedreamthief]

Turns out it was the starter relay. Now the van cranks, but won't start. Will start on plugs and wires tomorrow.

Thanks for all the suggestions.