Notices
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Dentsides Ford Truck
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Moser

Electrical Issue in my 77

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 15, 2012 | 02:56 PM
  #1  
GunnyBeaty's Avatar
GunnyBeaty
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 41
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
Electrical Issue in my 77

I have a 77 F150 with the 351M. On more recent occasions when you go to start it you hear the solenoid click and then there is no power. The radio lights nothing comes on. I replaced the solenoid and it did nothing same thing. The last two times it has done this I have taken the positive cable from the battery off of the solenoid removed the two fusable links from the solenoid wait 15 seconds then replace them and it starts right up. I cant figure it out. Anybody have an idea what the heck this might be. Fusable links or the starter relay sticking? After it happens it will run for about a week before it does it again.
 
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2012 | 03:46 PM
  #2  
gfw1985's Avatar
gfw1985
Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 6
From: Raphine, Virginia
Make sure solenoid is grounded good. Sheet metal mounting screws don't always do the job. As always when all power is lost, check and clean neg cable to engine block.
 
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2012 | 04:00 PM
  #3  
The John's Avatar
The John
Mountain Pass
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 243
Likes: 16
From: Estacada, Oregon
Have you cleaned your battery terminals and battery cable ends recently?

I have had an issue similar to this in the past. There is enough contact to keep the radio going, lights on, etc but when you go to start the truck the amp draw is too much and nothing happens. If this is the problem it will solve it quickly (unless there is an issue with your battery terminals or cables).
 
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2012 | 10:45 PM
  #4  
fmc400's Avatar
fmc400
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
Club FTE Gold Member
I agree, check all terminals and connections. My guess is that they're dirty or corroded somehow, and taking them apart and putting them back together is making a good enough connection at first for it to start.
 
Reply
Old Feb 16, 2012 | 07:34 AM
  #5  
GunnyBeaty's Avatar
GunnyBeaty
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 41
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
I replaced the positive and negative battery cables. Cleaned the back of the new solenoid and scrubbed it with a wire brush.
The issue with the lights and radio is what blows my mind. CLick and all power goes. turn the key bak on and nothing. Tap the solenoid and it will click again on the start attempt. But it always seems to start after I undo and replace the positive side connections to the solenoid.
 
Reply
Old Feb 16, 2012 | 07:55 AM
  #6  
bucks77ford's Avatar
bucks77ford
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,037
Likes: 9
From: Kasson, Minnesota
Still sounds like a bad connection. If all connections are clean, grounds are good and cables have been replaced, than I'd consider returning the solenoid for a new one. Sometimes coincidentally, a new one doesn't always mean good. I'm still thinking there is a bad ground. Make sure the engine to firewall ground is good also. I'm also assuming that the battery is good and fully charged.
 
Reply
Old Feb 16, 2012 | 09:00 AM
  #7  
The John's Avatar
The John
Mountain Pass
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 243
Likes: 16
From: Estacada, Oregon
I know you said you replaced your battery cables, but have you taken a wire brush or "terminal" brush to the posts on your battery? There may be some build up that is preventing your new battery cables from making good contact.
 
Reply
Old Feb 16, 2012 | 12:14 PM
  #8  
GunnyBeaty's Avatar
GunnyBeaty
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 41
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
Battery and cables are out of the loop. they are all new they were scared up and greased when i replaced them. The only thing that keeps getting my goat is the fusable links. But i will take the solenoid off the firewall and make sure it is grounded again. After I do that I guess only time will tell if it does it again.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-2

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-5

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-7

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
keyul
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
Mar 15, 2013 01:46 PM
msfprobass
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
4
Jul 30, 2012 02:18 AM
jlhollowx13
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
13
Jun 27, 2012 07:17 AM
HateTank
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
4
Jan 15, 2008 10:11 AM
swhite005
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
6
Jul 6, 2005 04:21 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:11 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-6
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-8
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE