Why is my 2006 f150 not starting sometimes?

Asked by Kristen Dec 14, 2015 at 09:53 PM about the 2006 Ford F-150 XL

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My 2006 f150 v6 4.2L is having starter
issues.  What happens is I turn it and it
makes a sound (not a cranking sound)
then i take the key out and try again and
it does nothing ( no sound or anything)
then I take the key out put it back in and
then it will start. About every other day it
does this. The more I drive it less it does
it. Once it starts it runs and sounds fine. I
just bought this truck and I've had a jeep
for 8 years so I'm not too familiar with it.
Is this a starter? The lights and
everything else are bright and not dim so
I don't think it's my alternator. It has
always started and I haven't had to get a
jump yet but it's been going on and off
for about 3 weeks, when it's warm it
starts fine. Does anyone know what this
is?!!

3 Answers

1,785

You should have the battery load tested at the the local parts store, for good measure. I suspect the starter. But i would have someone climb under the vehicle,ENGINE OFF, and check that the main battery wire is tight. There is a nut that sometimes works loose on Ford trucks. If that is okay then the starter probably has a dead spot in it and needs replacement.

3 people found this helpful.
14,475

As sherriftech stated you may have a starter issue.Since the lights are bright the battery should have a good charge. do have the battery terminals checked for corrosion and load tested for a dead cell. Find the easiest mounting bolt on the starter loosen then tightened it to provide a good path for the electricity to flow. If you can use a volt meter across the battery terminals and watch the voltage when starting the engine, it should drop about 2 volts if all other things are good. Keep it as simple as possible

2 people found this helpful.
74,270

When the vehicle will not start, try jumping it via cables. If it starts you can have a bad connection at the battery or the vehicle battery has 12 volts, but not the amperage required to start the vehicle.

2 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 Ranger
18 Great Deals out of 1,529 listings starting at $2,888
Used Ford Mustang
65 Great Deals out of 1,259 listings starting at $4,995
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.