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ignition solenoid issues

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Old Mar 15, 2015 | 09:13 AM
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ignition solenoid issues

I have an 88 f250 302 m5od 4x4 So the solenoid has been sticking on to the point I have to smack it with something to get it to open and stop spinning the engine over I replaced the solenoid numerous times just replaced the starter, the solenoid to starter wire, and the battery to solenoid wire, I'm using the heavy duty advance auto solenoid, I've recently been told to try the red Napa solenoid, I've noticed it happens when its wet more than cold like after a heavy rain, with work and school I can't seem to focus on the proper way to diagnose my problem and when I search here it seems everyone has a similar problem but not similar enough i still have some idiots in the wiring to work out (my own and from previous owners) advice guidance or direction to a thread would be appreciated
 
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Old Mar 15, 2015 | 09:39 AM
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From: Easton,Ks
Sticking solenoids is caused most of the time by the battery being low and causing a higher than normal current flow through the starter solenoid.
 
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Old Mar 17, 2015 | 03:18 PM
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Truck wouldnt even crank today, Well I took it to advanced, its 850 CCA , tested at 758 which they said is good (I'm assuming that is low enough to cause the solenoid to stick) started talking to the guy behind the counter and he mentioned the grounds so I picked up a new one, so I brought it home put it back in and put the new ground from block to battery started touching around with a test light, I have power at my ignition switch wire with key off and power at both sides of the main posts on my terminal and on my old block to battery ground the starter side is reading around 4 volts then drops I'm assuming that I have a short somewhere under the hood
 
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Old Mar 17, 2015 | 03:41 PM
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Well the power is coming from an orange fusible link and a yellow fusible link that go the battery side of the solenoid
 
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Old Mar 19, 2015 | 11:03 AM
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Did some research and tested the eec power relay an found it was staying on after the key was shut off if I remove the relay I no longer have power on my grounds in gonna replace it and trace the two extra ground wires a previous owner installed and hopefully find out why they have power
 
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Old Mar 19, 2015 | 12:40 PM
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From: Sherrills Ford, NC
You may want to check that there is no power coming from the ignition switch as well. If the ignition switch is still sending power to the relay it will stay engaged and so will the solenoid.
 
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Old Mar 19, 2015 | 12:41 PM
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I'll check that next thanks
 
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Old Mar 19, 2015 | 01:54 PM
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Originally Posted by bad a$$ roth
Did some research and tested the eec power relay an found it was staying on after the key was shut off if I remove the relay I no longer have power on my grounds in gonna replace it and trace the two extra ground wires a previous owner installed and hopefully find out why they have power
Here's the schematic for part of the ignition switch and EEC relay.

The EEC relay has 4 wires.

With ignition Off
White/Light Blue wire should have zero volts.
Black wire is ground
Yellow wire 12 volts at all times
Red wire is the output contact of the EEC relay and when the relay is closed it provides 12 volts to the following.

12 volts for Primary coil of the fuel pump relay
12 volts to the EEC pin 57
12 volts for Canister Purge solenoid
12 volts for EGR EVR solenoid
12 volts for TAB air bypass solenoid
12 volts for TAD air diverter solenoid
12 volts for fuel injectors
12 volts for Throttle air bypass valve solenoid



 
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Old Mar 19, 2015 | 02:00 PM
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The 2 wires going to pin 60 and 40 on pg 39 have the power and there is a third that was with them
 
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Old Mar 19, 2015 | 02:04 PM
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From: Baltimore
Originally Posted by bad a$$ roth
The 2 wires going to pin 60 and 40 on pg 39 have the power and there is a third that was with them
There should be three small black wires at the negative battery terminal at the Battery.
They are the ground wires for the EEC.
 
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Old Mar 19, 2015 | 02:09 PM
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OK so if I have power coming from those grounds I should be troubleshooting the EEC itself
 
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Old Mar 19, 2015 | 02:22 PM
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From: Baltimore
Originally Posted by bad a$$ roth
OK so if I have power coming from those grounds I should be troubleshooting the EEC itself
If you have power at those pins at the EEC that indicates the wires are not going/connected to the negative battery cable.

Here's a picture of my battery negative cable. I have a replacement terminal at my negative battery cable.

The large ground cable goes to the engine block.
The two small Black wires come from the EEC (the two pins you mention) and go to a connector. The other end of the connector are connected to the replacement clamp I have on the negative battery cable terminal.

How many wires do you have on the negative battery terminal?

 
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Old Mar 19, 2015 | 02:27 PM
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4 the battery to block 2black with green stripe and 1 black with grey stripe
 
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Old Mar 19, 2015 | 02:37 PM
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From: Baltimore
Originally Posted by bad a$$ roth
4 the battery to block 2black with green stripe and 1 black with grey stripe
Yes there should be 4.
I didn't see the 4th one.
It's the ground wire for the Anti Lock brake proportioning
valve.

Using your ohm meter you should have continuity from Pin 40 and 60 to the negative battery terminal.
 
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Old Mar 19, 2015 | 02:39 PM
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OK I'll check when I get home, is there supposed to be any measurable voltage on those wires?
 
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