My dad's got a 1989 Ford F150 with 4.9 L inline 6. He went to go start it the other day and he turned the key forward but it didn't start. When the key was turned forward the normal starup lights (brake, check engine, etc.) come on but when you actually try to start it, nothing happens. He thought it was the solenoid because it wasn't clicking or anything (so being the parts changer he is, he replaced it). The battery is fully charged and the cables are in good shape. The NEW solenoid doesn't click when trying to start it. Both relays (fuel pump and ignition) work (I can hear and feel them 'click'). Any ideas? I know what the problem is kinda, but I can't quite put my finger on it. I am thinking something in the ignition system (steering column) because I have read this somewhere on here before. Thanks guys!

-Matt

 

Just curious....

Have you checked for a faulty starter?

 

Climb under the truck and look at the starter. Take a small wire brush and a can of WD-40 with you. When looking at starter you will see the large main power cable, and you will also see a small 18 gauge wire with a plastic connector (wire is brown if I remember correctly). Disconnect small wire and clean contacts with wire brush. Squirt some WD-40 on contacts and hook it back up. Important wire, no weather protection, crappy design.

One other possibility is the small wire at the solenoid in the engine compartment. Use same process on that small wire, but most likely the one at the starter. If that sending wire does not have good contact, the starter does nothing.

Good Luck.

 

Sorry, I should have mentioned the starter was replaced about a month ago. There is no clicking from the solenoid when I turn the key over. If it was the starter it would at least click. I also forgot to say the truck is an automatic.

-Matt

P.S. My truck does not have the small wire you speak of. The solenoid is on the passenger's side fender.

 

You can try to jump over the solenoid with a wrench or something metal. This will at least tell you if its the stater or not. Jump over the 2 big poast, I use 2 screwdrivers.

clipper

 

I was goingto tell you we did that too.....I forgot! Must get sleep! That's why I am thinking it's electrical somewhere. Thanks again!

-Matt

 

Could it be a nuteral safety switch? my truck does that sometimes and I have to hit it into park again to start.

Chris

 

I have tried to start it in park and neutral. Where is the neutral safety switch and can I test it? Thanks guys. Any other ideas are welcome.

-Matt

 

I have my Haynes Repair Manual sitting in from of me opened to the troubleshooting page. Below is word for word on the symtoms that you are experiencing. Start & the top & work your way down to the bottom. If you can't get it started by the time you get to the bottom of these troubleshooting guides, then your problem will exist else where.

Engine will not rotate when attempting to start

1~ Battery terminal connections loose or corroded. Check the cable terminals at the battery. Tighten the cable or remove corrosion as necessary.

2~ Battery discharged or faulty. If the cable connections are clean & tight on the battery posts, turn the key in the on position & switch on the headlights & or windshield wipers. If they fail to function, the battery is discharged.

3~ Automatic transmission not completly engaged in Park or Neutral or clutch pedal not completly depressed.

4~ Broken, loose or disconnected wiring in the starter circuit. Inspect all wiring & connectors at the battery, starter solenoid, & ignition switch.

5~ Starter motor pinion jammed in flywheel ring gear. If manual transmission, place transmission in gear & rock the vehicle to manually turn the engine. Remove the starter & inspect the pinion & flywheel at earliest convenience.

6~ Starter solenoid faulty.

7~ Starter motor faulty.

8~ Ignition switch faulty.

 

All of those things seem fine except the igntion part. By the ignition switch do you mean the part where you put in your key? It does seem very stiff when turning from off to start. Should I swap it out? Thanks

-Matt

 

If you have checked everything else, then I would say that would be the next step.

When you turn the key on, does the check engine, seatbelt, abs light & ect. come on?

 

Yes they do. It just doesnt crank over. The battery is charged right up because with the key turned forward, the headlights, heater and horn all work at full capacity.

-Matt

 

I would change the switch if it were me. Seems like you have tried every thing else.

clipper

 

One thing no one has mentioned. Does it have tilt steering? If so, try pushing up on the steering wheel (towards the windshield) with the wheel in the most up position while holding the key in the start position. It could be that there is too much play in the linkage. Holding the wheel up will move the linkage just enough to make it start. I have seen this more than a few times on trucks about this age. If it is not tilt steering, nevermind

--Mike

 

It's not tilt steering. I guess I will take out the ignition switch (where the key goes) and see what happens. I'll keep you informed.

-Matt