how do i know if the solenoid is bad

[mainevent223]

i have a 73 f100 and i turn the key and nothing happens, i know that if the started was bad i would still hear the solenoid click in. is this solenoid bad or am i missing something because all my elecronics work except the engine doesnt do anything.
thanks

[fmc400]

One thing you can do is take the wire labeled 'S' off the solenoid. Then take a flat blade screw driver, and jump the big lug of the solenoid that connects to the battery, to the small post with the 'S' on it. The engine should turn over, or the solenoid should at least click.

If not, check the positive battery cable. Then check the mounting surface of the solenoid to make sure it's clean and tight. Then make sure you have a ground strap from the body to the block somewhere, and then finally check the negative battery cable. That completes the circuit. If that's all good and your solenoid still isn't making, then the solenoid is bad (or your battery is dead as a door nail).

[mainevent223]

no battery is good everything else works. thanks for that tip. i'll remember that one.

[ruggerio]

i have 2004 expedition-starter fuse keeps blowing when i turn key--30 amp---i heard if the signal wire is grounded it will blow fuse-is there anything else that is causing this?? email me thanks!! ruggerio@bellsouth.net

i currently put a 40 amp fuse in the place of the 30 amp--