96 f53 starter problem

nickmae wrote:
PROBLEM SOLVED!!!!
I re-checked ALL wiring connections and added an additional GROUND CABLE from one of the starter mounting bolts to the frame. I also found some oxidation on the starter cable connector at the solenoid on the starter so I replaced it with a new heavy duty connector and now all is well again.
Thanks again for all the info on this issue. Now it's on to my second issue, the fuel pump. Once I replace that, I'm good to go.

It just makes me grin from ear to ear to see folks who are able to work on and fix their own MH's! Saving money, plus the satisfaction of fixing it, and with the help of the awesome members of RV.NET. Great job members!:C

That's great. Most times it's the simple and cheaper things that go bad. Many like to start throwing parts at a problem hoping to fix it.

The days of the mechanics that knew how things all worked together are slowly coming to an end, and being replaced with technicians that can only read OBD output or rely on what other technicians replaced to fix a common problem.

It's good you fixed it yourself, who knows how much stuff would have been done in a garage and been charged for.

PROBLEM SOLVED!!!!
I re-checked ALL wiring connections and added an additional GROUND CABLE from one of the starter mounting bolts to the frame. I also found some oxidation on the starter cable connector at the solenoid on the starter so I replaced it with a new heavy duty connector and now all is well again.
Thanks again for all the info on this issue. Now it's on to my second issue, the fuel pump. Once I replace that, I'm good to go.

Try adding an addition ground cable from the starter to the battery neg. Try with a set of jumper cables first. I needed to do this after everything else didn't solve the issue. JM2¢...

FWIW, my starter relay went out also in my rig. The problem was an intermittent no-start. I suppose that the relay could have burnt points in it reducing the efficiency of the high power connection giving you a slow starter spin.

Sounds like what you have is low current to the starter, that's why I mentioned the ground strap being bad or having corrosion on the ends.

The other thing you can do is have the battery load tested at an auto store. Or if you have the switch which will use your house batteries for starting give that a try also. You may just have a bad cell in your (new) main battery or even low water if you can check it.

Cheap and easy first.

Thanks guys, as you know, finding tech info., manuals and wiring diagrams
for these rigs isn't easy. With what we spend to buy a rig,this info should be available for those of us who do most of our own repairs. I have owned this unit
for over ten years now with very few issues but when something comes up it's nice to know you're all out there to try and help. Will check out your replies and let you know how I made out. Thanks for the info.

X's 2 on the starter relay. That happened on mine. Drove me crazy but I finally found it. Very common the Ford F-53 Cheap fix too.

Check or replace the starter relay. The location is shown below:


Your '96's layout is the same as the '94 shown.

Did you clean the ends on the engine ground strap? Passenger side up near the alternator.