\my ignition switch burnt out on my 1985 F250 and i replaced it, but the truck still wont start. used a test lamp at the ignition wire near the solenoid and nothin. what could the problem be?

 

First welcome to the forum.


When you say "burnt out" like how and was it just the switch or did it also heat up the plug so it is not making contact with the switch?
What caused the switch to burn out as I have not heard or seen that?


Does everything else work? Lights & what not when you turn the key on?


I would say start at the switch and see if you get power there when you turn the key and work to the solenoid. to see where the volts are leaving the wire.
Dave ----

 

Neutral Safety Switch (NSS) / Clutch Interlock switch is something to look at, too.

But please answer Fuzzy's questions, knowing some history & additional info is very helpful to those who can help you.

 

How about the DuraSpark ignition module. OP's truck is a 1985 F250 w/a 460, so it's the "blue" module mounted on the left fender inner apron.

These modules were so unreliable that Ford techs referred to DuraSpark as NEVER/Spark!

 

Yeah, I know about your NeverStart name for them, Bill... but we here generally like the DS2 ignition, and I suspect you guys gave it that name at the dealerships because all the ones with problems were in your face... but if you compare the number of the things made against the number that fail, it's really not that bad IMO.

Regardless, the ignition module has nothing to do with the starter motor turning over the engine or not, the two systems aren't connected.

 

Open your peepers and reread post #1 again.

The OP made no mention of the starter not turning the engine over, just said the truck wouldn't start.

 

Um, Bill, yes, read it again:

Unless I'm reading it wrong, he's testing for power at the red/light-blue-stripe wire on the starter relay with the key in START - which is the right thing to do to diagnose it.

He might get more help if he wrote more clearly & descriptive, paid more attention to his writing & grammar and wasn't so offensive....