6.7 Power Stroke: No Crank, No Start. What Are the Solutions?

One of the most frustrating problems that you could ever experience in your vehicle is failing to start it properly. This can certainly ruin your daily or planned trip, or it may leave you stranded on the side of the road if it happens while your auto suddenly dies down in the middle of a journey.

Key features and my opinion about the engine

• Production years:2011-2016
• Average lifespan of 6.7 Power Stroke:240,000-270,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:Common Rail
• Power range:330-475 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:cast-iron
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:turbo problems, cooling system issues, weak sensors, CP4 pump problems.

Most Common Causes of the No Crank, No Start Problem in the 6.7 Power Stroke and Their Solutions

Diagnosing the cause of the problem is an integral part of identifying the most appropriate solution for what may be causing your 6.7 Power Stroke engine to experience no crank and no start. Based on the accounts of users who have successfully found a way around this and the advice of mechanics, these factors may be worth checking as the possible roots of the trouble you're facing:

1. Charging System Issues

When diagnosing electrical issues in your vehicle, including the no crank, no start problem, the best way to start is to check whether or not all the components of its charging system are functioning well, particularly the battery, alternator, voltage regulator, and their respective wirings.

The common symptoms of a faulty charging system are dim headlights, dead battery, and slow cranking or no crank at all when trying to start the engine. To diagnose this issue further, you will need to use some tools such as a multimeter or voltage meter.

Start by checking the battery first. Make sure it is fully charged and that its connection to the ground is good. If your battery looks okay, then you should check the connections of its cables for any signs of corrosion or damage. Inspect the alternator belt for wear and tear as well.

Next, use a multimeter to test the voltage of the battery and alternator. The battery should read 12 volts or higher when the engine is off, and 13.5 to 14.4 volts when it is running. An alternator that isn't functioning properly will have a reading below 14 volts at idle speed and about 17 to 18 volts with the engine running at full speed. If the multimeter readings are off, then it is likely that your alternator and/or voltage regulator need to be replaced or repaired.

If these tests don't uncover any issues, then you can check for wiring problems by visually inspecting all of the cables leading to and from the battery, alternator, and voltage regulator. If you notice any frayed or burnt wires, then you should replace them as soon as possible.

Once the issue has been diagnosed and the faulty parts have been identified, you can repair or replace them with new ones to restore the normal operation of your vehicle's charging system. Doing so will eliminate the no crank, no start problem in your 6.7 Power Stroke engine.

It is important to remember that a malfunctioning charging system can lead to damage to your battery and other electrical components, so it is essential that you diagnose and address the issue as soon as you start noticing any symptoms. With these tips in mind, you will be able to easily diagnose the different causes of charging system problems preventing the cranking and starting of your engine.

2. Corrosion or Damage on the Starter Relay and Parts Linked to It

Based on the advisory released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2019, the intermittent failure to crank in the 2017 to 2019 models of the F-Super Duty can be mainly traced to corrosion on the starter relay.

The starter relay is a critical component of the ignition system in a vehicle equipped with 6.7 Power Stroke engines, as it distributes power to the engine to enable cranking and starting. The starter relay is located near the right-side strut tower, just above the starter motor. When the ignition key is turned on, an electric current is sent to the relay and if the relay is functioning properly, power is then supplied to the starter motor to start the engine.

Another way to diagnose the underlying problem involves visually inspecting the starter relay for any signs of corrosion or damage. As mentioned above, one of the main causes of an intermittent no crank, no start issue on the 6.7 Power Stroke engine is due to corrosion on the starter relay.

Proceed by checking for faulty wiring associated with the starter relay and ensure that connections are secure. Inspect and ensure that all associated ground connections are properly secured and free of any corrosion. After that, test the starter motor by bypassing the relay and connecting power directly to it. If the starter motor is functioning properly, then that only leaves the starter relay.

Using a multimeter, check for continuity across the two terminals of the starter relay. If there is no continuity, then it is likely that the starter relay has failed and needs to be replaced.

Based on these diagnosis steps, if corrosion or damage is found on the starter relay, it is recommended to clean the relay and re-test for continuity. If the problem persists, then a new starter relay should be installed.

It is also important to check for any other possible causes of the intermittent no crank, no start issue such as faulty wiring and bad ground connections in order to ensure a successful resolution of this problem.

3. Bad Starter Solenoid

The starter solenoid energizes the electrical switch to activate the starter motor and engage the flywheel to start the engine. Without a properly functioning starter solenoid, there can be no crank to start the engine.

A bad starter solenoid in the 6.7 Power Stroke engine can cause a range of issues, including difficulty in cranking or starting the engine, no response at all when attempting to start the vehicle, and even dimming of headlights due to voltage drop. In order to diagnose and solve these problems, it is important to understand the different causes of a bad starter solenoid.

Begin by checking for any loose connections at the battery or solenoid terminals. If there is corrosion on the contacts, use a wire brush to clean them before reconnecting. It's also important to inspect the electrical wiring and ensure that all wires are properly connected. Depending on the vehicle, there may be a diagnostic port for checking voltage and amperage draw at the solenoid.

If the wiring is in good condition and all connections are secure, then it's likely that the starter solenoid itself has failed. This could be due to a short circuit in one of its components or age-related wear and tear. In this case, the solenoid will need to be replaced with a new one to restore the proper functioning of the starter system.

4. Faulty Glow Plugs

Glow plugs help preheat and initiate the combustion of diesel fuel during cold start-up. This is accomplished by heating the surrounding air in the cylinder to start the combustion process, allowing for faster starts under cold weather conditions. When glow plugs begin to malfunction or become degraded, it can cause the engine to not crank or start.

To diagnose a faulty glow plug, there are several possible causes that need to be considered. The first is whether the glow plugs themselves have failed. This can be checked by measuring their resistance with an ohmmeter. If they are not within specification, they will need to be replaced. In addition, the glow plug control module may have failed or become damaged. This can be diagnosed by testing the voltage and current of the circuit with a multimeter. Finally, debris or carbon build-up on the glow plugs may be preventing them from functioning properly.

To remedy any of these issues, the glow plugs should be replaced or cleaned as necessary. If replacing, make sure to use only OEM parts that are designed to work with the 6.7 Power Stroke engine. If cleaning is necessary, it can be done by using a specialized cleaner designed to break down carbon deposits and remove them from the glow plugs. This will help ensure they are functioning properly and help prevent the no crank, no start problem.

Conclusion

Since the electrical system of vehicles equipped with the 6.7 Power Stroke consists of many components, there may be other sources of problems aside from the commonly identified causes mentioned here.

Therefore, if any of the things listed here fail to solve the no crank, no start issue with your auto, further diagnosis, repairs, or replacements may be necessary. Either way, be sure to bring your vehicle to a professional mechanic or your nearest Ford service center to aid you in addressing the underlying problem as soon as possible.