Four problems related to starter have been reported for the 2000 Ford F-150. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2000 Ford F-150 based on all problems reported for the 2000 F-150.
The starter motor was engaging while the engine was running with the key in the run position. I had to disconnect the battery to stop it. The heater blower, parking lights, dash light and gauges, key chime, and radio would turn on and off by themselves without a key in the ignition. According to the Ford dealer, this was all caused by water leaking in from the windshield causing the fuse block and gem module to short out. They said it was a common occurrence with windshield leaks on 2000 Ford F-150's. They had to remove the windshield and reseal it and replace starter,fuse block, and gem module. This windshield was also resealed 2 weeks after buying this vehicle brand new from the dealer in 2000.
The starter broke off of mount causing bolts to break off in transmission housing, I have had to replace the solenoid 2 times and had to keep tightening it off because bolt on it broke, now I have to find someone to drill the broken bolts out & I do not have very much money to get fixed , I just spent $189. 00 for a starter!.
The vehicle started however, I was unable to shift it into gear. After three calls to a Ford dealership, I was advised to shift it into neutral, start it then shift it into drive. I was able to drive it home however, the power windows & windshield wipers were not working. I heard "clicking" noises coming from the fuse box. After placing it into drive, the radio would not work. When I placed it in park, the radio started working. When using the panel/floor defrost, I heard an electrical shorting noise coming from under the hood. On 1/23/05, it would not start; only the lights on the dashboard came on; I was unable to shift it into neutral; the engine did not turn over. The vehicle was towed to krieger Ford. Initially, I was told that it needed a new starter. After further testing, I was advised that the fuse box and gem were water-logged due to water leaking into them as the result of a faulty seal in the windshield which is the original factory installed windshield. I found an article ironically titled "quality is the prime imperative with Ford". The 1st paragraph states "installing windshields in vehicles has always been a pain. Fixing water leaks is the last thing you want to do in a vehicle assembly plant". The 2nd paragraph states ". . . Has brought the number of windshield leaks significantly under 1 per 20 hours of production. . . " the 3rd paragraph references the word "defects". I wrote a lengthy letter dated 2/5/05 to the ceo of Ford with attachments of the article, online complaints stating the same problems & questioned the September 2004 tie rod inspection procedure mailed to me from Ford with regard to premature wearing and separation. I had also spoken to individuals in Ford's customer service center on several occasions. I paid krieger Ford over $1,000 to replace the starter (their "quick" fix), replace the gem & fuse box & remove & re-seal the windshield. Ford responded to my letter by placing me on their promotional mailing list. Documentation available.
This is the 3rd time I've had this ploblem! I have had my truck int the shop on 2 other occations for the same electrical problem. Today makes the 3rd time I went to start my truck & the starter stayed engaged & energized!the first 2 times the starter quit after about 40 seconds ,today (10/12/2000) the starter stayed engaged untill the starter, wiring,relays& posibly the battery all burned up! I've been told I'm not the only one who is having this problem.