just went to start my 96 f250, charged the plugs for 20 seconds and when i hit the starter i heard a pop and now it dosnt turn over. both batteries read 12.7v, and the starter solenoid shows a voltage change, the headlights dont work at all now, iv heard its a relay or my ignition is shot but im just wondering if anyone else has had this problem. my first diesel loved it up until this point and i kinda know how to work on them, any help?

 

forgot to add that when i have the key in plug charge position all the lights dim and every light on the dash is on but real dim

 

Check for blown fuses in the box under the hood, if you find #22 blown (hint, hint) you need to unplug the fuel heater on the side of the fuel filter housing, There are 3, the heater is in the middle, kinda squarish looking.
Be sure all your batteyr connections are clean and tight, the Glow plugs pull all a lot of power which causes your lights to dim. Watch the volt meter, when it pops up the GP's have turned off.

 

all underhood fuses are intact, il try unpluging the heater anyway cause its summer, will be back with results in 3 minutes

 

cant find that heater plug you where talking about but in the main underhood fuse box the relay 2nd from the bottom on the right of the box is clicking/buzzing, any idea what this relay does? previous owner lost manual

 

Try swapping it with the relay next to it and see what happens. You can download a manual for free here https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenan...ls/default.asp

 

Sounds like you smoked a battery cable or even possibly a battery, mine was the cables, they rotted from the inside out, also check your grounds....

 

did the same thing, thanks for the link
i think it may be the cables, the ends are pretty corroded and wore out, hope its not the batteries, those things are expensive! lol

 

if it's your batt's go to autozone and tell them your a fireman 15% discount

 

Clean all the battery connections & look at the wire to the starter as well ,, engine grounds especially .. If good,, battery time ...