2000 5.3l K1500 Intermittent No Start

JackalAR · January 21, 2011

This truck was passed down to me exactly a year ago. It had 55k mi. on it at the time. It had just gotten a new battery. I went to start it one cold morning and everything was normal, except it wouldn't turn over or even click from the starter. Fuel pump and all other relays seem to be working as normal. Regardless, I replaced the brand new battery yet again.

I occasionally drove it last summer racking up 5k more mi. without issue. I pulled it out of the garage again this week and had no issues the first day, however the second morning it did the same thing. After 3-4 attempts it fired right up like nothing was wrong. I ignored it till this AM when it wouldn't start, even with about 30 attempts of cycling the key and gear selector and working the brake thinking it was a safety switch issue.

I gave up and went in the house to return 3 min. later to take trash to curb and it fired right up again. Seems to like to do this when it's under 15-20 deg.

I have searched everything on the web and no one seems to have an answer other than fuel pump if it cranks but won't fire...which mine does not do. I did see where a dead spot on the starter was suggested several times, but no one ever came back and confirmed that was the fix. There is a TSB stating that it could be an ignition switch indexing issue, but only if it has been replaced before which mine has not.

Here I sit at 61k mi. and am having this intermittent issue on cold mornings. It will be fine the rest of the day. I plan to check all connections and grounds tonight, but would appreciate some help from those who have likely seen this exact issue time and time again. I'd buy the dead spot on starter issue if it had more miles and / or was more consistant, but again it seems to be a cold morning issue.

For what it's worth, I had to resolder the 4WD controller module due to that common issue of cracked solder joints, and it has had a P0446 for years now. Last year year I blew out the EVAP vaccume lines, replaced the vent valve solinoid with the improved part, and replaced the purge valve. None of this helped so I am living with the damned SES which DRIVES ME NUTS. I didn't get much to tap out of the charcoal cannister, but it seemed unusually heavy. Guess it could be full of "mud", but this seems unlikely.

I'd appreciate any help I can get. Thanks!

markw8 · January 21, 2011

There have been problems with the ignition switches. But for the life of me I can't remember if it's the key part or the switch down the column. I'll try to find my old RO from my 2000. My problem was long crank times and security light staying on.

Mark

JackalAR · January 21, 2011

Thanks! ...but FYI, when she cranks, she fires right up w/o hesitation. It's all or nothing. When this happens, the battlight illuminates, yet it is NOT a batt. issue.

There have been problems with the ignition switches. But for the life of me I can't remember if it's the key part or the switch down the column. I'll try to find my old RO from my 2000. My problem was long crank times and security light staying on.

Mark

JackalAR · January 21, 2011

Sorry for the additional post, but I can't edit or hardly compose a post on this forum worth a damn. I'm using FF...maybe I should try IE. Anyway I don't get the SECURITY light at all when this happens. I would much rather it be the lock cylinder or switch in column than the starter. Sounds like it can be a pain to get out of there. Dreading the day my starter dies on my F-150. I have custom SS longtubes that will have to come out first.

JackalAR · January 23, 2011

Checked the grounds and starter connections today and all looked good. No starting issues either.

famouslee99gt · January 24, 2011

My '99 is doing the exact same thing. It just started doing it today, although I haven't been able to get it started. Went to use my remote start this morning and it wouldn't start so I went out and with the key, it wouldn't even click. The truck has all the power, but when you turn the key, nothing. I got to leaning towards ignition switch as well. I forfeit and am towing it to the dealer tomorrow.