![](https://www.700r4transmissionhq.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Engine-Not-Starting-1024x255.jpg)
If your Ford F350 doesn’t start, you’ve found the right article. Many different issues can cause the problem. We cover all the likely ones in an order that makes sense when diagnosing the issue at home.
This article is written with the assumption that you are looking for a way to get your Ford F350 started now, and is meant to provide you with practical advice to help aid in the diagnosis.
First, is your F350 cranking over at all (the engine spins when you turn the key? Or is the starter not engaging (you may hear a clicking sound)?
Table of Contents
Engine Not Cranking
Here are the most common reasons why the Ford F350 won’t start when the engine is not cranking.
1. Battery Cables
![Ford F350 won't start battery corrosion](https://www.700r4transmissionhq.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Corroded-Battery.jpg)
Start by taking a look at the battery posts. If they are loose or corroded, it acts as a barrier that can keep the starter from getting the voltage it needs to crank the engine.
If there appears to be green or white on them or the terminals, cleaning them may be what your F350 needs to get back on the road.
Here’s a good article from Napa on properly cleaning a battery terminal.
2. Low Battery Voltage
![](https://www.700r4transmissionhq.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Loose-Battery-Terminal.jpg)
As your truck’s battery ages, its cranking amperage decreases, leaving it with a diminished capacity for starting the engine. Your F350 needs 12+ volts to start its engine.
You can take your battery to the local parts store or even Walmart and have it tested to see if it still holds a charge.
Alternatively, you can test the battery yourself with a voltage meter. If the battery is in the vehicle and it’s under 12 volts, it’s likely bad unless your truck has been sitting for a while or something is drawing current.
If the battery is dead, it either isn’t storing enough voltage or it isn’t charging enough.
A bad alternator can cause your battery to drain to the point it can’t turn your F350 over. Suspect the alternator if the battery light stays on after charging your truck’s battery or jumping it.
3. Starter Motor
![](https://www.700r4transmissionhq.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Starter-Motor-1024x569.jpg)
The next thing to look at when your F350 isn’t starting would be the starter itself. When the starter isn’t functioning, it is impossible to start your truck.
A bad starter can make a clicking noise, no noise, or it can grind.
When a starter goes bad, they will usually not give you much warning at first. Try repeatedly turning the key. Sometimes you’ll get lucky and it’ll “catch”.
Or, you can beat the starter with a hammer. It really can get that one last start out of it.
Engine Cranking, No Start
Here are the common issues that can cause your F350 to crank but not start. Your truck’s engine needs air, fuel, and a spark to run.
It is highly likely that if the engine is cranking but not starting that it has thrown an OBDII code. Use an OBDII scanner to check and see if the engine has thrown any trouble codes.
The codes will likely be related to the potential issues listed below. When applicable, we’ve listed the common trouble code(s) associated with the cause.
1. Low Fuel Pressure
![](https://www.700r4transmissionhq.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Fuel-Pump.jpg)
If your F350 isn’t getting enough fuel, or any fuel at all, it may have a bad fuel filter or a bad fuel pump. Without the proper amount of fuel entering the combustion chamber, the F350 will crank but not start.
2. Ignition Issues
![No Start Causes Ford F350](https://www.700r4transmissionhq.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Worn-Spark-Plugs-P0300-1024x555.jpg)
One of the most significant issues that will cause a vehicle to crank but not start are ignition issues. When there is no spark, the engine will not start. You’ll probably have a misfire-related code such as P0300, P0301, etc…
Many things, including bad spark plugs, bad coil packs, bad plug wires, computer issues, and more, can cause ignition issues. It’s likely your F350 had a rough idle before
3. Engine Timing
![](https://www.700r4transmissionhq.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Bad-Timing-Belt.png)
If the engine’s ability to fire the spark plug at the right time is called “timing”. If the spark plugs are firing at the wrong time, or something has happened to cause the camshaft to no longer be in sync with the crankshaft, your F350 won’t start.
There will usually be OBDII codes associated with timing-related problems, but not always. P0013 is a common camshaft position-related code. The crankshaft sensor can go bad as well. When these sensors go bad, it can be impossible for your F350 to start.
4. Security
![](https://www.700r4transmissionhq.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Car-Alarm.jpg)
Most modern vehicles come with smart keys that have electronic protection built in. This makes it more challenging for thieves to steal them.
There are occasions where this security system will cause the F350 not to start, such as the key fob not working. You’ll see a security warning when trying to crank the engine, though.
5. Metering
![](https://www.700r4transmissionhq.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/MAF-Sensor.jpg)
MAF or MAP sensors measure the air entering your F350’s engine. If one of them has gone bad, it can cause the air-fuel mixture to be off enough to cause the truck not to start.
6. Other Issues
There are a lot of issues that can cause your F350 not to start. That’s why it is so important to check everything. Here’s a great diagnostic chart that can walk you through diagnosing why a vehicle won’t start.
Conclusion: Ford F350 Not Starting
There are many reasons that your F350 may not start. Simple tests such as checking the battery with a voltage meter or scanning it with an OBD II scanner can really narrow down your list of potential causes.