I have an 86 f150 that started up, and shut off about 3 seconds after and wouldnt turn over when i tried to crank it back up. None of the lights would come on either. Anyone have any insight?? i changed the battery cables and got a new battery, it started back up but shut off like before.

 

Start with the simple things first..... If you know the battery and cables are good but you have no lights or anything else electrical and it won't crank, check and clean your ground connections.

Can you jump it across the solenoid posts?

 

I honestly dot know what that means. I'm 17 and just started working on my own things

 

Great! Couple things to do as you start working on your truck. Go buy a Chiltons or Haynes manual for your truck? They are full of a whole lot of information that is crucial for you learning. Also, use the search function of this and any forum to see if anybody else has had similar issues.

Check the spark plug wire connection at the ignition coil and also where that wire connects to the middle of the distributor cap. Also check the cable coming from the alternator, and get it tested at a local parts store. If any of those show signs of corrosion or have any breaks in the wire replace it.

Follow your negative battery cable to where it grounds to the engine. Remove he bolt and clean he connection back down to shiny metal and reconnect.

 

If you are getting no power into the truck at all, check the fusible links coming off the battery side of the starter solenoid. If you have full gauges, everything on the truck except the starter itself feeds through the alternator harness. If you are comfortable reading wiring diagrams, go to my website (in my sig file) and look under downloads. There is a set for the 1983 models covering power distribution with and without ammeter. Your alternator will be different in that it has an internal regulator. You will see how everything comes through the alternator harness.

 

I isn't think about that rebelpride23 thanks! And i have no clue what any of that means 85lebaron2

 

Think of the wiring diagram as a road map. The main feed from the battery goes through a fusible link to the alternator harness. From there it comes back and feeds the rest of the truck. It's sort of like going around an interchange with the fusible link being the exit ramp. The problem comes if the fusible link fails either due to overload or fatigue. You are dealing with 27 year old wiring. Think of it this way the truck was 10 years old when you were born.

One more item, on the original Ford ground cable there is a tab attached to the frame where the cable crosses it before attaching to the block. If it breaks off you can lose the ground to the body and frame. There is a smaller ground at the back of the engine that attaches to the wiper motor mounting stud. If everything seems dead, one or both may be bad.

 

Oh I got you. I understand the diagrams because I had todo it when replacing my head unit. I just got confused when you started talking about the alternator harness. Ill check them out as soon as I can. Thanks for the advice!

 

No problem. The only way you learn is by asking.

 

The ground wire was fine, still won't start. I'm thinking that a fuse could've have blown. Still unsure

 

You need to tell me whether you have an ammeter or an idiot light, I have both systems printed out so I can scan them and upload the correct one for you.

 

What are those?

 

Gauges in the dash of the truck. The ammeter shows if the alternator is charging or discharging; an "idiot light" is a red light which comes on if the alternator stops charging the battery.

Does your truck have dash gauges other than the fuel gauge?

 

i know this sounds simple, but if you have a tilt wheel, move it all the way up and try it. move it all the way down and try it.

 

Ok, the charging and power distribution for the 85 and 86 gas engine models are on my website. Go to it then to "downloads" on the left side.