HALP!
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Eastern Nebraska
HALP!
1978 F150 351M AUTO 4x4...
Went to start truck the other day. It started to crank over, I hear a faint "pop" sound and at the same time everything stops dead. Everything is dead, dead, dead. No lights, radio etc. Wont' crank over.....nothing. I have to go to work so I jump in car and go.
Today I get a chance to look it over. Open door and dome light is on. Stick key in ignition and try and start it. Nothing. Look at dome light and it's out.
So far here is what I've done. Had battery checked. Near dead so I got a new one. While I was at auto store I bought a new solenoid and voltage reg. to replace factory originals. Truck has 71,000 miles on it. Get home and install new parts and battery........
Every thing is still dead! What am I missing
Went to start truck the other day. It started to crank over, I hear a faint "pop" sound and at the same time everything stops dead. Everything is dead, dead, dead. No lights, radio etc. Wont' crank over.....nothing. I have to go to work so I jump in car and go.
Today I get a chance to look it over. Open door and dome light is on. Stick key in ignition and try and start it. Nothing. Look at dome light and it's out.
So far here is what I've done. Had battery checked. Near dead so I got a new one. While I was at auto store I bought a new solenoid and voltage reg. to replace factory originals. Truck has 71,000 miles on it. Get home and install new parts and battery........
Every thing is still dead! What am I missing
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 842
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From: Palmyra
77 & 86 both did something like that once and it was the 10 gauge wire that ran from the battery across the core support then back up to the fire wall. cant remember what it goes to but once I changed that wire out it was fine
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
On the battery side of the starter solenoid is at least one (and I think in '78 there were more) fusible link. Check these to see if they are blown.
The links will be tagged with a tab that says FUSIBLE LINK xxGA. To check grab the link and tug on it. If it "gives" or feels soft the link has burned out and needs to be replaced.
The links will be tagged with a tab that says FUSIBLE LINK xxGA. To check grab the link and tug on it. If it "gives" or feels soft the link has burned out and needs to be replaced.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,388
Likes: 138
From: Northern California
I recently had weird electrical issues. The battery would occasionally be dead after a short period of time but sometimes would last through a day at the river with the stereo up. Ended up being the positive battery cable. $5 later, a cable from walmart did the trick. Yesterday I fired it up for the first time in over a month and she was good to go. Even left the lights on while at pick n pull for a few hours and it fired right up; I didnt notice my lights were on until I got home.
The moral of the story is cables are cheap; start there. Yes I will be replacing the walmart garbage with something better when I get around to it but it works for now.
The moral of the story is cables are cheap; start there. Yes I will be replacing the walmart garbage with something better when I get around to it but it works for now.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Eastern Nebraska
The battery cables are brand new and connections are tight. It's dark now so I'll have to wait until morning to check on a fusible link. Thanks for the replies.......keep'em comin'.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,388
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From: Northern California
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Eastern Nebraska
I found one fusible link on the pos. side coming off the solenoid. I stuck my meter probe on the down leg side of the fusible link and I'm still showing good voltage..............
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