Ford F150

colbysmith

colbysmith

Active member
The past two summers I've experienced an interesting problem on my 2019 Ford F150. When towing the 25, when I stop for a short time at a rest stop or to refuel, when I go to start the truck back up, the battery acts low or like the starter is failing. It will try to turn over, but then just stops. You know the sound, whir then nothing. Usually starts on the second attempt as it should. However, I never have this issue when I'm not towing, and it starts just fine after sitting a while, like over night. Also, I replaced the battery last year after talking to the local Ford service writer, thinking that maybe it was getting a little weak, even though it was only a couple years old and an AGM. The new battery test out good, and when driving locally the auto stop/start will work as it should. So, while in the area, I stopped by my dealer again and spoke with another service writer. She informed me that, yes, she has had some complaints from other drivers of the same issue. Only when towing. Seems like the starter has this issue when it's hot. And when the truck is under load towing, it does run a little warmer. No fix. No TSO's. (Tech service orders). No recalls. Yet.... She said some folks have had problems with the trucks not starting at all until they sit a bit. Fortunately for me, the immediate second attempt it fires up. I'm still a solid Ford guy, but hope this is something Ford resolves. Just passing along in case anyone else is experiencing this issue. Colby
 
My gut and experience say starter solenoid, but like anything you need to go through a process of elimination with a meter to really get to the bottom of it. The odds are though a new starter will remedy the hot no start condition. When I worked on stuff for a living an extremely long time ago, I replaced dozens of them with the exact condition you are describing. They would get towed in because they left their owner stranded on a hot day, and then I'd start them up and drive them into the shop and put a new starter in to the dismay of the customer. They don't always work when they cool off, but most of the time they do. Anyway, if it is the starter, it is only going to get worse and eventually it won't work at all.
 
I have had this problem in several older Gas Powered RV's. You are correct, it has to do with heating. In the RV's some installed a heat shield. and ducted more air from the grill over the starter area. I have not had this problem with the Yukon or any Ford Diesels (2003 7. 3L or 2019 6.7 L). I would see if there is any after market fabrication to increase flow of air around the starter motor. Some starter rebuild shops may have ideas on this.

I don't know if it is an issue in the 3/4 ton gas trucks or not.
 
It appears this is more of a Ford design issue, than a bad starter or solenoid. At least from my discussion with the Ford Service Writer. If it were a bad starter or solenoid, it would seem to me that the starter would be acting up at other times as well, not just when towing. In any case, another friend of mine shared a youtube link with me to make a heat shield. I think this will be a project possibly this weekend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&feature=youtu.be&si=SG9rAoPbv_UIsjIJ&v=_wzXOOjxk6g
 
Made and installed a heat shield as per that youtube link. Hopefully this will resolve the problem.

These photos are while laying on the ground looking up at the starter and exhaust manifold.


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