Are you trying to start your Ford F-150 and noticed that it won’t start, but you hear it clicking once? If so, you are probably wondering why it won’t start and what is causing that clicking noise. That’s why we are here to help.
Why won’t the Ford F-150 start when it clicks once?
The cause is usually a dead battery. You could also try turning the steering wheel from side to side, then starting it again. Also, check the battery terminal connections. It could also be a bad ignition system, bad solenoid, starter failure, or engine timing.
Now, let’s go over a bit of this truck’s history. Then we will tell you why this truck is so popular and give you its safety ratings and recalls. We will also go over its complaints. We will then round out this article with F150 consumer reviews.
A Little Ford F-150 History
The F-150 was the very first truck Ford ever produced. It was introduced in 1948 as a light-duty full-size truck. This truck is now in its 14th generation. It has also been the best-selling truck in the U.S. since 1977. And, it’s still the best-selling truck in Canada as well. Interestingly, the F150 is used by the police to patrol off-road areas where standard police cars can’t go.
What Does it Mean When You Hear a Clicking Noise When Trying to Start Your Vehicle?
If you are trying to start your vehicle and you are hearing one click or a rapid clicking noise and your vehicle won’t start, there is probably a problem with your electrical system. It could be a dead battery, loose or corroded battery cables, or a problem with your alternator, which is the part that charges your vehicle’s battery.
It might also be a bad solenoid, starter failure, or engine timing. But battery, battery cable, and alternator problems are the most common cause for this click or clicking noise.
So, your next steps are to do a little investigating and testing to try to determine what the problem might be, so you can fix it.
How to Test Your Truck’s Battery
If you can get your vehicle started, you can take it to Firestone Complete Auto Care for a free battery test. Otherwise, perform the following steps.
- Turn off the ignition and the lights.
- Connect the red (positive) voltmeter tester lead to the battery’s positive (red) terminal.
- Next, connect the black (negative) voltmeter tester lead to the battery’s black (negative) terminal.
- If the voltage is above 12.4 volts, the battery takes and holds a charge, the battery easily recharges, and it is less than 4 years old, then the battery is OK.
- If the battery won’t take or hold a charge, the voltage is under 12.0 volts, it won’t create enough amps to start your truck, or if the battery is over 5 years old, then the battery is bad.
How to Remove Corrosion From Your Battery Cables
Disconnect your battery cables by removing the negative battery cable FIRST, so you don’t get burnt or struck with electricity. The negative battery cable is black and has a “NEG” or (-) next to it. The positive battery cable is red and has a “POS” or (+) next to it.
Check each battery cable for damage. If you see signs of insulation, corrosion, fraying, splintering, peeling, drying, or if they are cracked in any way, you should not try to clean them. You should replace them instead.
Next, you can clean the battery terminals using one of the following methods.
1. The best option is to purchase a commercial-grade battery cleaner. Apply the battery cleaner and scrub the terminals with a toothbrush or a bristled brush. This method will not only clean off the corrosion, but it will also neutralize the battery acid.
2. The baking soda method is also effective. You will need a glass of water and some baking soda to clean your battery terminals. Apply a small amount of baking soda to the battery terminals and any corroded areas. Then pour a small amount of water on each terminal. You will notice the baking soda and water begin to interact as they start to bubble. This process neutralizes the acid corrosion, so you can safely wipe it away. You might need to perform this process on the battery cable ends as well.
How to Test Your Alternator
You can perform a battery test to see if your alternator is going bad. First, open the hood; then start your vehicle. While the engine is running, remove the negative battery cable from the battery. If your truck dies or stalls, you probably have a bad alternator. The reason for this is that the alternator is not creating enough electricity to keep your engine running on its own. Furthermore, if the car continues to run after that, the problem is probably a bad battery.
How Do You Know if Your Battery is Bad or the Alternator is Bad?
If you are able to start the engine, but the vehicle dies immediately, it’s likely the alternator. Your alternator probably is not able to keep the battery charged. If you jump your battery and it keeps the vehicle running, but you can’t start the vehicle again without jumping it using its own power, then a dead battery is likely the problem.
What are the Signs Your Alternator is Going Bad?
If your alternator is going bad, you might see an ALT or GEN light illuminate on the dashboard. Your alternator might also be going bad if you see your headlights flickering or dimming, you experience other electrical failures, your car stalls, is hard to start, or your battery dies. These are all warning signs that your alternator is going bad.
