Do i need battery cables
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,304
Likes: 4
From: boonville ny
Do i need battery cables
MY truck was working just fine until i shut it off. Then i went to turn it back on and it just made 1 click i tried it several more times just a click then i saw the positive cables smoking. So i clean the termals and on the starter cilonoid on the fender. I have got to the starter yet but it still just clicked and smokes. Lately the starter has been staying engaged but if i shut the truck off and turn it back on it will stop or if i disconnect the cable it will stop. It doesnt do it all the time just once in a while. So im not sure if thats got anything to do with why it wont start now but im hoping i dont need cables since there a pita to change.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,709
Likes: 4
From: 8600 ft in Colo
If the cables got hot enough to start smoking, they're probably questionable now. If any event, you need to find the cause. If you heard the starter relay on the fender click, but the starter wasn't turning, and then things started smoking, the problem is the starter relay, the cable between the starter relay and the starter, or the starter...
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 194
Likes: 25
From: Atlanta
That sounds like something in the starting circuit is either shorted out or has a poor connection. Probably would be a good idea to replace the battery cables and test the solenoid and starter. Make sure the battery connections are clean and tight. Also check your engine to chassis ground strap.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,304
Likes: 4
From: boonville ny
I just replaced the solenoid on the fend didnt make a difference. Ive looked throught the plastic coating to see if any wires are melted they arnt. Im wondering if my starter is stuck or something. I have the positive cable on the starter to check yet. It got cold so i havnt tried it yet.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee, Wi
In my experience with my old 93' I had a similar problem and it was battery cables. But whenever I would turn the key it would click like yours and I would lose power completely and everything would go dark. If I let it sit the system would seem like it would charge up and all the lights would slowly come on. I'd have to repeat this until it started. But I had a brand new starter because that previously went and I had my battery and charging system checked at advance auto before I replaced the cables so I had a pretty good idea that was the only thing left to fail.
Hope this helped. By the way I didn't think my cables looked all that bad either but after I replaced them never had the problem again. Its not fun but its not terrible, it helps to have a lot of extensions for the frame mounted ground, if your truck has one.
Hope this helped. By the way I didn't think my cables looked all that bad either but after I replaced them never had the problem again. Its not fun but its not terrible, it helps to have a lot of extensions for the frame mounted ground, if your truck has one.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,304
Likes: 4
From: boonville ny
Yup my problem is where the ground is bolted to the frame but the bolt is so rusted i cant put any socket onto it but i have to idea how to get it off. I have another battery cable off the same yr truck but it had a 302 and the cable isnt long enough
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,698
Likes: 47
From: Mexico, Missouri
For what its worth, use only a High Quality Fender-mounted solenoid. Anything that's $10 isn't gonna cut it. Had a friend that used a cheap one and burned 3 starters up before buying a Motorcraft solenoid.
Just throwing that out there for ya...Maybe others have had better luck with the cheap ones..from what I have read and personally seen, I'll never doubt that name brand part!
Just throwing that out there for ya...Maybe others have had better luck with the cheap ones..from what I have read and personally seen, I'll never doubt that name brand part!
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Charlestown, RI
For what its worth, use only a High Quality Fender-mounted solenoid. Anything that's $10 isn't gonna cut it. Had a friend that used a cheap one and burned 3 starters up before buying a Motorcraft solenoid.
Just throwing that out there for ya...Maybe others have had better luck with the cheap ones..from what I have read and personally seen, I'll never doubt that name brand part!
Just throwing that out there for ya...Maybe others have had better luck with the cheap ones..from what I have read and personally seen, I'll never doubt that name brand part!
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,304
Likes: 4
From: boonville ny
I changed my negative cables and no difference at all. My possitive cables are in great shape there is no reason to replace them so idk what to do now bout had it with this pos truck
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,304
Likes: 4
From: boonville ny
Well i started to take the positive cables off the starter and i noticed them melted to the y pipe. So i pulled them off and truck started right up. As proven before im not the most observant person. Thankyou all for your help.
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