Hello everyone. I have a 1983 F-150 with the 300 inline. I currently have no power to the cab. No headlight, dash or radio. Any help or advise will be appreciated. The previous owner replaced the starter and the seolonied. I would upload pictures but not sure how to.

 

Did the PO replace the battery ground cable?
Electricity has to get -back- in order to have any power.
Also check that the PO connected the cables properly to the solenoid.
Just the starter cable to one stud, ALL the rest, with the battery +, to the other.

 

The ground is hooked to the engine. The hot wire goes to the starter solioniod. Then out the other side to the starter. I have one wire that runs to the solioniod. I can cross the solioniod and the engine will turn over, just no power to the cab. When I turn the key I don't get any light or guage that works.

 

There should be multiple wires connected to the same stud as the battery positive cable.
At least the alternator and two fusible links.

 

Check your grounds, I had the same issue and both my ground cables were culprits. Also pull up a diagram for the solenoid to make sure its wired properly. Would also help to check, then recheck your fuses after each start. I know my overhead cab light was fixed with the simple change of a fuse.

 

The grounds have been cleaned and reconnected and still nothing. What other wiries should be connected with the + battery cable? I have also had no luck finding a wiring diagram to show what wires go there.

 

Like I said, at least the alternator and a couple of fusible links.

Maybe it would be best if you could post some pictures of the solenoid connections and any harnesses in the area.

Wire colors are likely yellow, blue and green or red, but I don't have a diagram for an '83 F150.