2017 F150 3.5 Ecoboost 4x4

Video of issue attached. Turn sound up to hear.

It’s difficult to search the symptom the truck is having but I’ll do my best to describe it.

This problem seems to happen most frequently on cold starts (not cold days, as I’m in Louisiana), but it does happen sometimes when the engine is warm.

Depress brake and push engine start button. The normal “click” sound happens but then there’s a vacant and faint sounding spinning noise and the engine does not engage.

This also happens sometimes when the engine auto stops at a red light. Even though I deselect the “Auto Engine Off” option it still auto stops.

Does this sound like a starter issue? Maybe a solenoid?

Any help is appreciated.

 

Starters have a drive gear (Bendix drive) that the solenoid moves the drive gear to engage the flywheel and rotate the engine.

The drive assy has a one way clutch system that if it doesn't lock up when it is supposed to, can produce that sound you are hearing.
Stop start systems have a heavy duty starter because of the constant stop/start system. It does sound like a starter replacement may be required.
Couldn't hear the recording , but from your description that is what most likely is happening.
A good shop should have no trouble diagnosing the problem and replacing the starter assy..