Hi: I have a 1986 F-150 1/2 ton truck. I had problems starting it up this morning, or I should it would not turn over at all. I would turn the key all the way and it would make this clicking noise. Is this my starter or my solenoid. I switched solenoids and still it would not start. If this is my starter, where would this thing be located, I am having trouble finding it.
Thanks

 

What kind of condition is the battery? How old is it? Is the connections of the battery posts corroded/Dirty/Loose??Check the easy stuff first before suspecting the starter or solenoid. The easy way to check the condition if you don't have access to a multimeter is to turn on the lights...if they are bright, try to see if its a bad connection near the battery posts. Check all electric connections to make sure they are secure and tight and clean.

 

ditto that. what motor do you have ? i had the same problem with my truck it needed a new solenoid and it was fine until the next day when it craped out and let engine keep tunring over which burnt up my starter. after cleaning the connections if that dosnt work. take your battery out and take it to a autoparts store and have it checked. if it reads a 13 volts or so it should be good although low 12.xx's will start it too. if it's bad it could be cause your altanator is not charging it. so after putting a new battery in take it to a autoparts store and put te mulitmeter on it while in the truck and running with the radio,lights and hear or air on and see what it reads.

if your battery is good then i woluld take the starter off (located next to the oil pan on the pass side if it's a 302) i would take it to a auto parts store and check it too. if it's bad then put a new one on.

hopefully that solves it.

 

Starter is on the lower side on the passenger side of the engine under the exhausts pipes. Be sure to disconnect your battery...you don't want a electrical burn or shorted wires or fuses.Two or thee bolts (9/16) holds it in there. Depending on the model/year.Its very heavy and has to go back in the same way as it came out.

 

well, it was my starter that was fried, I want to thankyou guys for helping me out on this. Thanks Alot