'96 F-350 7.3 4 speed, 4X4, crew, long bed.

My truck had been sitting for a while, so I charged batteries and ready to crank. Turned the key and nothing!!! No sound of any kind. Kinda thought it might be a neural safety switch because that is what it does when you try to start without depressing the clutch. Tried to by-pass NSS, and it tried to crank WITHOUT the key being in start position (not good). Connected test light to neg side of passenger battery, other end to wiring to solenoid. Light didn't come on. Then took screw driver to both poles on the solenoid and she cranked right up.
Can't go through life carrying around a screw driver to jump the solenoid...any ideas??
P.S. I'm 5 years older than dirt, so you might have to be a little patient with me

 

Sounds like your solenoid is stuck, which is typical after long sit periods.

Get a helper, verify power to the solenoid from the key. If 12v is present, have helper hold the key in the start position while you tap solenoid with a hammer or screwdriver. It'll likely free up and work fine after that.

You jumped out the wrong wires in the clutch switch, which is why it cranked while you were trying that.