I have a 2000 F-250 gasser 4x4 AT - It has 145K miles, it's a "farm" truck used but not abused - began not starting when I trurn the key no noise, clicks, grinds .... nothing (most of the times) Thought solenoid first so R&R'd but no change, with key on I can short the rubber booted wire to the lower solenoid connection and it will start right up -
Here's the kicker, after it sits overnight, the first time I try to start it in the morning with the key it works like it was new, starts right up, if I shut it off immediately and try to start it it's dead again and next morning it'll fire right up again the first time - drivin' me crazy

 

Welcome to the site..

All the cluster etc power up, just no crank, correct?

Same results on a start attempt in Neutral?

 

sorry for the delay - will not start in neutral either and THIS morning no start with the key period in Park or neutral..... there's a ivory box smaller than a pack of smokes under the steering wheel that I replaced a while ago when I began looking for this "demon", it's held in by 2 torx screws - I'm no mechanic (obviously) but a pin that box either tracks with or controls has me wondering if it isn't something in the key ignition/steering column ?
I've replaced the solenoid and that ivory (white) box so far, could it simply be the starter ? this 2000 Ford is a long way from the 50's chevys I used to bend wrenches on but like it or not this is what I have to drive right now