Ford F150 Pickup Squeels when key turned but won't start

[kottoman]

I parked my 1998 F150 and when I came out to start it the next day it would not start. It has a loud sqeel when I turn the key. I would appreciate some ideas where to start. thanks.

[amac209]

a new starter should fix you up. sounds like the drive is shot on the old one

[97chevyman]

well, if it is a squeal, could be a locked up alternator. Have someone try to turn it over and you watch under the hood and see if the crankshaft pulley it turning, if so, take off the belt and try the turn each acc. they all should be able to be turned by hand pretty free, otherwise i would agree with amac209 and say starter.

[c150L]

My F150 did something like that not long after I rebuilt and installed the engine. My helper did not attach the ground to the engine properly and most - to the engine came through means other than the intended ground. (directly from the battery.) This was not obvious, either. Swapped in another starter which also did same thing before I noticed that ground.