Ford F-150 Won’t Turn Over Just a Click In 2023 [+ How to Fix It]

Are you wondering why your Ford F-150 won’t turn over just a click? Are you also troubled with the nerve-racking experience of turning the key and the engine failing to start repeatedly?

If you are a regular Ford driver, you must know that engine performance and reliability are major concerning issues when you fail to fulfill the engine needs.

The Ford F-150 is leading in manufacturing its exclusive and fuel-economical designs in the marketplace.

Not to mention, its constant successive models all over the years add to its recognition.

However, it’s far from perfect, and like any other engine, suffers from a few serious issues.

In our case, the problem is the engine starting issue so, let’s help you get through the causes and solutions of why your Ford F-150 won’t turn over.

                     What is Ford F-150 Starting Issue?

Unless you drive a new vehicle every day, you can experience Ford starting issues. Now you may think about what exactly this issue is.

If you try to start the car and it fails to start the engine, you can experience one of the two possible cases.

• Your Ford won’t start; It won’t crank
• Your Ford won’t start; It would crank

Do you understand what crank means, and what difference would it make?

No-Start-No-Crank Problem

When you try to engage the ignition of a car, it fails to start and, you don’t hear the starter engaging. We consider this case a no-start-no-crank problem.

The issue usually comes when one of the three first components of the car fails to power up the engine.

Now comes the question are you familiar with these components that might be responsible for this mishap?

You may have an issue with the car starter, alternator, or most probably the battery. However, your engine is pretty much decent to work.

No-Start-But-Crank Problem

In this case, you attempt to start a car, and, however, the engine fails to fire up completely.

You may hear the clicking sound of the starter trying to crank the engine but, your car shows no response. We call it a no-start-but-crank problem.

As the problem is related to the engine, it fails to engage enough to start a car.

Why Your Ford F-150 Won’t Start Just Clicks?

Now that you get the root problem, Aren’t you curious; what could be the possible reasons your car resists to start whenever you attempt to ignite the engine?

It’s reality; we always fail to realize the importance of anything until it’s gone, especially when that precious thing is your car; Isn’t it?

Let’s help you get through the reasons why your Ford F-150 won’t start just cranks?

Faulty Alternator

One of the most typical reasons for clicking issues is a faulty alternator. Let’s discuss the working mechanism of an alternator before we move forward.

An alternator is a belt-driven device that works to distribute electricity to the car and recharge the battery by converting mechanical energy into electricity.

It generates electricity by rotor and stator, voltage regulator, diode rectifier and, a cooling fan.

However, like any part of the car, its efficacy decreases over time and needs replacement.

When an alternator fails to perform its function, the battery power starts to drain.

Furthermore, it won’t fire the engine the next time you attempt to start your car.

Poor Ignition Coil

Probably the least common reason behind poor engine performance is the poor ignition coil. Let’s go through its function and discuss the root problem.

An ignition coil works as a high-voltage transformer that ensures the spark jumping across the spark plug and instigates combustion.

It generates a voltage by following Faraday’s law of electromagnetism and hence, contains primary and secondary circuits.

However, if even one of them fails to perform its work, you need to replace it.

The root problem occurs when you neglect to replace the coils, and it overtakes the engine performance and, hence your Ford F-150 won’t turn over.

Broken Distributor Cap

You may be thinking about how a broken distributor cap be responsible for engine starting issues?

A distributor cap is a thick cup-shaped removable component that encloses the distributor and its rotor in a Ford engine.

It delivers the voltage from the ignition coils to spark plugs and from there to the cylinders.

The distributor cap often cracks when it succumbs to vibration and heat.

Furthermore, corrosion and moisture accumulation under the car can lead to further problems.

When you fail to clean or replace it, the engine cranks every time you start a car.

MAF Sensor Failure

Do you know that a mass airflow sensor failure leads to engine cranking issues?

Since sensors monitor engine performance, a faulty MAF sensor cannot record and send data to an engine control unit (ECU).

Furthermore, it fails to make changes to the fuel and ignition systems. As a result, the engine cranks and fails to start repeatedly.

Battery Issues

The other common reason your Ford won’t turn over is a dead battery. Even; the corrosive battery can be responsible for why your car fails to start.

Now comes the question do you have any idea how a battery works for a car?

A battery ensures to delivery of initial electrical power to an automobile to get it running.

Moreover, it monitors the other electrical components like LCD, radio, AC, lights, etc.

The problem arises when either the battery gets dead or corrosive. As a result, you experience no-start-no-crank engine issues.

Crank Sensor Failure

A crank sensor failure could also be to blame for why your Ford F-150 won’t start just cranks.

As we discussed before, sensors regulate fuel, coolant, and emission systems. Similarly, a crank sensor ensures the accuracy of the piston working and monitors combustion timing.

If the crankshaft position sensor comes in contact with water, it fails to send the information to the computer engine.

Furthermore, the engine resists starting the car to prevent any further damage to the automobile system.

Starter Motor Issues

A faulty starter can also be the reason your car fails to turn over. Have you any idea what is the purpose of a starter in an automobile?

A starter is an electrical motor attached to the battery of your automobile that works to fire up the engine when you turn on the ignition switch.

An engine fails to crank when the starter breaks or becomes faulty. Furthermore, it becomes noisy and keeps clicking.

Catalytic Converter Failure

Catalytic converter failure will likely be one of the first things that come to your mind when your car fails to start.

A clogged catalytic converter fails to exhaust harmful gases. As a result, the engine overheats and halts its performance.

Not to mention, your automobile smells of rotten eggs or sulfur compounds. The car becomes irresponsive despite the acceleration.

Empty Fuel Tank

Did it once come to your mind that an empty fuel tank could also be the reason why your Ford F-150 won’t turn over with just a click?

If not, then you might feel silly because it happens more than you can imagine.

Sometimes there is insufficient fuel in your car tank; however, you fail to notice it and keep imagining the worst.

By and large, check your fuel tank before you think of other possibilities to save your time and money.

Defective Fuel System

Clogged fuel filter or fuel line, failure of the fuel pump, or faulty injection systems – altogether calls for a defective fuel system.

If any of these or the overall system gets faulty, you may experience poor engine issues as a clogged fuel line fails to pass enough fuel to the engine.

Because a defective fuel system makes the engine rough, your Ford cranks every time you start a car.

Ford F-150 Won’t Turn Over Just a Click| Solutions

Now that you know about the reasons for your problem- why not help you to tackle them?

Don’t fret; let’s go through the article and learn the possible solutions to overcome your issues.

Replace Fuel Filter

Faulty fuel filters hinder engine performance and decline its lifetime. Furthermore, it clogs the fuel injectors and increases fuel consumption.

Nevertheless, you can avoid it by either repairing or replacing it. Replacing a fuel filter prevents additional expenses and monitors fuel economy.

Although it’s a little tricky to replace a fuel filter, you can do this job yourself.

Fix Spark Plug Issues

Have you ever driven your car and felt like it has lost its spark? Well, this could happen when you lose its spark plugs!

Spark plugs and ignition coils are sensitive parts of an engine that work; to monitor fuel economy, optimal combustion, and power delivery.

Just like any other engine unit, it requires maintenance and appropriate cleaning. Failure to fix spark plug issues makes you compromise engine efficacy.

Check Battery Problems

Batteries are a significant part of your car; when you take care of them, your car does the same for you.

Batteries offer an average lifetime of 2-5 years; however, many factors affect their health.

You should avoid driving on a scorching hot day as warm weather damage the internal fluid composition of a battery.

You can extend its lifetime and prevent it from corrosion by keeping it clean from dirt and debris.

Exchange Starter Motor

A defective starter motor fails to start your car and becomes unable to generate enough torque.

Nonetheless, you can avoid this problem by exchanging a starter motor. It’s quite an easy task and can be replaced; at home.

You need to turn off the ignition and detach the cables and bolts from the starter.

Now, remove the old starter and replace it with the new one. Also, connect the bolts and cables; to hold the starter in place.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can a faulty mass airflow cause engine crank?

Of course, it is possible as mass airflow monitors the fuel and ignition system.

Given that, the engine fails to perform and starts cranking when its mass airflow gets faulty.

How to avoid dead battery issues?

You should maintain battery health and try to increase the driving distance as it helps recharge it.

Keep the battery clean to avoid its corrosion problems.

Moreover, make sure to switch off the electrical components like headlights before leaving the car.

How can I recharge my car battery?

It’s simple and easy to recharge a dead battery employing these two methods.

You can recharge a car battery by hooking it up with a battery charger while setting the charger to the slowest charging rate.

You can also connect your dead battery with other car ones through wires and recharge it.

What are the signs of a defective alternator?

You should check for the following;

• Dim lights
• Clicking sounds
• Stereo system issues

How can I avoid clicking issues?

It’s simple; use premium engine oil and maintain engine health.

Also, check and fix the fuel filter system to avoid suspension issues. Keep the battery and engine clean to prevent corrosion.

Does a low-quality oil affect engine performance?

In the first place, a quality engine needs quality oil to increase its lifetime.

However, if you use below-average quality oil, you can experience car rattles and sputters.

Moreover, the engine becomes rough over time; consequently, your car fails to start even if you give acceleration to it.

Can I repair the broken starter instead of replacing it?

You can repair a broken starter; however, we recommend going with the replacing option.

If you are after repairing a cracked starter, you get no guarantee even when you pay higher.

However, a brand-new starter ensures more lifetime in return for more money.

Conclusion

Now that we added the knowledge of why your Ford F-150 won’t turn just a click– did you manage to subtract the issue?

In our perspective, the Ford is nothing but a stack of metal without its running engine.

The best way to avoid this issue is to familiarize yourself with these problems and refer to their solutions as the engine is the most crucial part of your car.

We recommend you keep up with regular maintenance tips to avoid serious issues and increase the engine endurance time.