My 97 4.6 ran fine but the 4x4 light came on even when the transfer case lever was in 2wd. Then one day it would not start. It cranked over fine but would not fire. I added fuel but it didn't help. I pulled a spark plug lead and attached a spark plug while I jumped the solenoid and cranked over the engine to visually check for a spark as I have done on older trucks. Well it cranked a couple of times and then it died and won't even crank now, I must've fried something, the batterys fine. Does anyone know if there is a fuse or something? What could have happened when I jumped the solenoid?

 

Best I can get out of your post is the 4x4 indicator lights when not engaged.
The motor cranked but did not start.
You added gas to the intake, it still did not fire.
And now it does not crank.
Is that all correct?
Lets sort out what condition you have now then begin to solve the start issue.
Leave the 4x4 issue for later unless the control stick is in the start chain, electrically.
Good luck

 

Hi and thanks very much for your reply. I included the bit about the indicator light just in case it may be related although I didn't think it was. The truck had been hard to start in very cold weather sputtering while I had pumped the pedal but once it fired up it ran fine. A couple of weeks ago I tried to start it and it just cranked and did not fire at all. I tried several other times same result. As I said I attempted to jump the solenoid and look for a spark it cranked a few times then stopped cranking and now it will not even turn over. I believe I damaged the ignition system when I tried to jump the soleniod. Now for the tracing out the problems lol. Well thanks for the interest and if you have any suggestions my ears are open htank you God bless.

 

If the starter won't engage by crossing the start relay terminal then the question is does the relay click up when you do this?
If yes, the relay contacts are burnt open, or the starter is faulty or cables are an issue.
If no, the relay winding is open, or power to the relay is no longer present.
Which condition do you have?
After the cranking issue is resolved then the motor firing is the next issue to look at.
You brought in some other issues that indicate other problems but get the cranking issue solves or nothing else can be done.
Good luck.

 

Hey thanks, I managed to get it going today. Just needs some maintenance I guess, well happy to see it out of my back alley and in the garage. Tommorrow I will give it some love ie plugs and a few parts I have for it. Last thing I played with was the inertia switch, the contacts may have corroded up a bit. Really not sure what it was but i always starts now although it seems to idle slower when warmed up (600 rpm STD trans). I have a parts engine and I'll try swiching over the IAC. Anyhow thanks for your knowledgeable advice and helping out backyarders like myself.