Starting Issue--What would you check first

[Nightbrew]

I needed to run some errands after work tonight so jumped in the 450, turned the key over and nothing. No click, no sounds, nothing. Everything else seemed to have power, the radio, instrument cluster, windows etc. Not having any time to look into the issue at that moment, I left in another vehicle to run said errands. I returned home to check out the issue. Turned the key over twice, same result, nothing. However on third turn of the key it started right up like nothing ever happened. Any ideas on what could cause this, suggestions on things to check first? Thanks ahead time, I appreciate it.

EDIT! Forgot to mention that a few days prior the started did seem to cut out half way through its attempt at starting the engine. I would best describe as it turned over the engine for a moment, completely stopped and then resumed turning over the engine. The 450 failed to start then, but immediately fired right up on the second attempt.

 

[Jay470]

Neutral safety switch?

 

[dannyp]

Id start with the fusible link

 

[Nightbrew]

Id start with the fusible link

I don't know much, but I thought fusible links were an all or nothing thing. Either they're toast or good to go. Again I don't know much.

 

[blkprj80]

Sounds like your switch is on its way out. The contacts are starting to fail. Or if there's any linkage, the linkage might be loose.

Look Here: Ignition switch replacement procedure.

 

[Tapage]

starter relay ..

 

[BILT4ME]

Or Starter solenoid. That was my similar issue, so I threw in a reman starter (non-oem)

 

[dannyp]

I don't know much, but I thought fusible links were an all or nothing thing. Either they're toast or good to go. Again I don't know much.

When mine went bad it took a few days of all around acting strange before they were done. I think no one had ever changed them and they were just really corroded

 

[bigredmachine]

I don't know much, but I thought fusible links were an all or nothing thing. Either they're toast or good to go. Again I don't know much.

not necessarily, the links could be corroded internally and cause an intermittent no or hard start.

 

[Nightbrew]

When mine went bad it took a few days of all around acting strange before they were done. I think no one had ever changed them and they were just really corroded

Hmm probably worth changing them regardless. I don't know if they have ever been changed.

 

[Nightbrew]

not necessarily, the links could be corroded internally and cause an intermittent no or hard start.

Anyone care to post the part number for the fusible links?

 

[nukegoat]

Definitely not a head gasket issue

 

[blkprj80]

I looked at the EWD and start is on its own circuit AM1. The Neutral Safety switch is in line, so check that as mentioned above.
It's looking less likely to be an ignition switch...

 

[Nightbrew]

I looked at the EWD and start is on its own circuit AM1. The Neutral Safety switch is in line, so check that as mentioned above.
It's looking less likely to be an ignition switch...

What is the procedure for checking the neutral safety switch?

 

[blkprj80]

Download a copy of the EWD and buy a decent little multimeter and start learning.

Search for EWD at a hell of a price on the main forum.

 

[bigredmachine]

Hmm probably worth changing them regardless. I don't know if they have ever been changed.

ya for the 12 or so dollars per its worth it to buy 2, change one and keep the other in the truck as a spare

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS]

First of all I would check your battery connections for corrosion and for tightness.
Starter and/or solenoid is probably subject with a Ford relay boost is next in line.
The NSS rarely has problems. It's a sealed unit and the last two I took apart looked brand new. When the no start issue happens you can always move the shifter to N to see if it will start. The barrel connector going to the NSS located near the PHH has corrosion issues that usually affect 1st gear starts, reverse lights and indicator light issues. Just my 2 cents...

 

[petwhookie]

Emergency Troubleshooting Procedures - FAQ Item (Recommend Keeping Copy in Truck)

 

[graham5david]

you can rebuild the solenoid for next to nothing. Or just order a new starter. You can get you volt ohm meter out and trouble shoot it but it's probably the solenoid.

 

[L8Shift]

Definitely not a head gasket issue

Translation: Loose battery cable on the starter side..