1997..first time ever will not crank. Usually just touch key and fires right off. Now leading up.. But don't see how this could be the problem. Drove up on some blocks to gain access to install new Hellwig sway bar. Where the L bracket on drivers side attaches on the inside of the frame there are two fuel lines going forward. Was very carefull in not disturbing them to attach top bolt on bracket. Got finished and tried to crank to drive off the lifting blocks. Just spins. Fuel pump fuse OK, removed passenger side panel to check emergency fuel shutoff, OK. Just noticed something else as trying all things, but I can shift the gear shift lever to any position and the starter will spin. I thought would only start in Park?? Old Fords had a shifter problem that you had to lift up on the shift lever to get to crank. Something is not allowing some sensor to not allow to crank. Other than unplugging fuel filter and turning over to see if fuel flow, how can I test fuel pump. Any and all ideas appreciated.

Are you saying that the starter spins but it won't engage the flywheel?

No. The engine is cranking over.

Have enough gas in it now that it's at angle?

So this occurred after disconnecting the fuel lines. My thoughts are to check the connections to eliminate air possibilities, also I owned a Thunderbird that had a fuel shut off switch that killed the power to the fuel pump if the vehicle experienced an impact. A small rear end collision and the fuel pump shut off. There is a reset button somewhere. That was a 1985. The possibilities that the fuel pump died at thistime seem odd. Time to get a wiring diagram of the chassis and look for that shut off switch IF there is one. A clogged fuel filter, one that is hidden inside of the frame rails is also possible. Striking the coach with a hammer to install parts may set off a switch if it is weak. IMHO.

stew47 wrote:Have enough gas in it now that it's at angle?Great thought. Sometimes the obvious we overlook.

V 10 spins will not crank. | Good Sam Community

shawdowboss
Explorer
Apr 16, 2015
Yes, normally a crank position indicator failure will throw a code.

Most problems for the newer engines you'll find, there's a code for. Some codes can only be read by mechanics, but there's a huge list in ODBII that is available from a normal code reader.

Good luck on finding your issue.
tarnold
Explorer
Apr 16, 2015
Op again. Would this condition throw a code that a reader would detect?
mobilefleet
Explorer
Apr 16, 2015
observe the rpm gauge while cranking. If it doesn't move you got a bad crankshaft sensor or wiring to the sensor which isn't uncommon on the V10. Could be just coincidence that it happened to occur after working on it
mlts22
Explorer
Apr 16, 2015
Bordercollie wrote:
It's very dangerous if starter works in any transmission position but park or neutral. Once had our old Dodge van accidentally start fast idle in reverse, backed over my foot and went across the street, over a curb and hit a large fir tree in neighbors yard. Lucky no car was coming down the street.

When I was in high school, there was another student who was proud of the fact he could start his car in drive, and would use it to peel out on a daily basis.
w3ozwizard
Explorer
Apr 15, 2015
May be a vapor lock. Get a bucket, disconnect the fuel line and turn it over. See if there is a good flow of fuel. Have someone help you do this. Should only take a second or two to see fuel is flowing. Now connect the line again and possibly the vapor lock will be taken care of by doing this.
j-d
Explorer II
Apr 15, 2015
I think you'll find the NS switch is a segment of a horse shoe, on the driver side of he transmission with several wires to a connector.

From how I read he OP, the fuel line was not disconnected. It's hard to find a spot to open a connection as in crack it open with a wrench. It's almost all connectors now. There should be a fuel pressure test port under the hood. Looks like a tire valve with (I believe) a light green cap. You could turn the key On/Off a couple times then carefully depress the valve, like you'd lower pressure in a bike tire.

Not starting AND cranking in every gear select position... Sure sounds like pinched/damaged wiring.
ol__yeller
Explorer II
Apr 15, 2015
The neutral safety switch isn't the issue if the engine is cranking. You do have a switch issue but it isn't what is causing your no start problem.

I seem to remember in vehicles of that vintage they had a fuel cutoff switch that activated in an accident to shut off fuel pumping a stalled engine. Some were accidentally triggered when the vehicle gets a jolt. I don't know if your RV has one but it would be something to research and an easy fix. Generally on Ford's they were located behind the passenger front kick panel.
tarnold
Explorer
Apr 15, 2015
The neutral safety switch is what I'm looking for. Can't find it on YouTube.
klutchdust
Explorer II
Apr 15, 2015
Nuetral safety switch
Bordercollie
Explorer
Apr 15, 2015
It's very dangerous if starter works in any transmission position but park or neutral. Once had our old Dodge van accidentally start fast idle in reverse, backed over my foot and went across the street, over a curb and hit a large fir tree in neighbors yard. Lucky no car was coming down the street.

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V 10 spins will not crank.

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