Okay, so my V10 won't start with just the key anymore... This started while I was on vacation in CO over christmas during the blizzard... She's got power... Even put in a new battery... New Solenoid on the firewall, still, when I turn the key, NADA, nothing, zippo a big lot of nothing...

I can jump the solenoid posts and she fires just fine... No problems there... But its a real pain to pop the hood and jump the posts just so I can start my truck...

So, new batter, new solenoid on the firewall, what next... Any ideas...

BTW, I tried a few searches, and I kept getting over 500 responses!!!

 

it might be nutral safty switch if auto or maybe clutchpedal switch on stick have u tried to start it in nutral

 

Tough problem!

Might have to start with the ignition switch and follow the circuitry from there.

 

Well, now in a nifty turn, I went to the store tonight, and figured I'd take it since I haven't driven the truck in a week... Well, now the battery idiot light is on like the alternator is going out.... UGH... One thing after another...

Bad ground anyone???

 

Oh yeah... And when this first started, it would occasionally start with the key instead of making me jump the terminals...

 

Sounds like it could be a bad ground.

Get a test-light or multimeter and start checking from the ignition switch, just like Nomo said.

 

Guys remeber the guy who had this problem yrs ago?
Chk for corrosion in the wires heading down to the starter .
we pulled are hair out on this one.
The wires were green with corrosin and being eatin away inside but the wire insulation looked great from the outside.
He replaced that wire from the relay down and his problem went away
Could it be????

Rich

 

Good point Rich, but wouldn't jumping the solenoid not work then?

To the ORIGINAL POSTER: When you say "jump the solenoid" - are you jumping across the two big posts, or the small post ("S" on the solenoid) to the battery side?

 

Both big posts with a screwdriver...

 

I had the same problem with my '00 f150 w/5.4... I know its not the same, but the problem might be. I'll have to find out what the actual problem was, I took it to the dealer to get fixed with warranty. I'll get back as soon as I find out.

 

That would be great Captain, I'd appreciate that... Starting problems from my previous expericen are fairly universal... Apparently not this time though... I'll try to inspect the grounds and positive wire tonight after work or tomorrow morning...

 

If you look at the solenoid, you will see a small wire going to it, that should be energized when you turn the key to "start".

If you take that screwdriver, and cross that small post to the big post that goes back to the battery, will it start? If not, the solenoid needs to be changed

 

It might still work because of amperage not going up through the key sw circuits
to fire the relay/solenoid
It was just a thought I had from the past.

 

I'm on my third solenoid... From different stores... So I'm HOPING that this one would be good... Maybe I'll get really lucky and my stock one is still good and I can just take this one back...

 

I'm on my third solenoid... From different stores... So I'm HOPING that this one would be good... Maybe I'll get really lucky and my stock one is still good and I can just take this one back...