2004 F-150 just "clicks" when key is turned

10

Asked by Lindsay Apr 20, 2015 at 12:07 AM about the 2004 Ford F-150

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 2004 F150 5.4L and recently it (every now and then) would delay starting.  When I turn the key nothing happens for a few seconds then it would start fine, not sluggish at all.  Today I went out to start it and nothing but a single "click".  I tried it a few more times to see if it would start and nothing but the click every time I turned the key.  Battery is brand new, only a couple of months old.  I spent my day doing/checking the following:
     *cleaned battery and ground connections
     *tried jumping it
     *checked fluid levels
     *replaced starter and solenoid
     *tested fuses
If anyone has any suggestions, I would greatly appreciate them!

3 Answers

159,075

Lindsay, I realize your battery is new, but I think it needs to be checked. It could be defective or the alternator could be bad making the battery not fully charged. Even measuring the at rest voltage at the battery, then measuring the battery voltage while attempting to crank it over might help point you in the right direction.

2 people found this helpful.
10

Thank you Bob, as you suggested I just tested the battery both resting and with key turned (again, it will not even attempt to turn over, just click) and it tested strong. I also tested the power getting to the starter both with the key off and on, it also tested fine.

1 people found this helpful.
10

Pull the ground wire from the other end, and clean that off with a strong wire brush. Then try it.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

F-150

Looking for a Used F-150 in your area?

CarGurus has 14,968 nationwide F-150 listings starting at $1,712.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    OJ
    Reputation
    42,520
  • #2
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    16,040
  • #3
    Rowefast
    Reputation
    15,860
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
202 Great Deals out of 5,975 listings starting at $2,975
Used GMC Sierra 1500
148 Great Deals out of 7,258 listings starting at $3,950
Used Ford F-250 Super Duty
24 Great Deals out of 1,204 listings starting at $7,995
Used Toyota Tundra
35 Great Deals out of 1,184 listings starting at $8,500
Used Toyota Tacoma
55 Great Deals out of 1,071 listings starting at $8,708
Used Dodge RAM 1500
3 Great Deals out of 71 listings starting at $4,000
Used Ford Mustang
65 Great Deals out of 1,259 listings starting at $4,995
Used Ford Ranger
18 Great Deals out of 1,529 listings starting at $2,888
Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
16 Great Deals out of 1,285 listings starting at $8,995
Used GMC Sierra 2500HD
17 Great Deals out of 1,640 listings starting at $9,988
Used Ford F-350 Super Duty
39 Great Deals out of 2,598 listings starting at $8,888
Used Ford Explorer
86 Great Deals out of 2,065 listings starting at $2,999

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.