HELP!! Starter solenoid problem
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 82
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From: Fairdale,Ky
HELP!! Starter solenoid problem
1988 F250 460. My starter solenoid went out so I replaced it. It started fine ONE time. Now it just buzzes. I put the battery charger on it just in case the battery was low and it hasn't helped. The truck is my only transportation. Thank you for any reply.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 437
Likes: 4
From: SE Missouri
I would take the cable that comes from battery and contact it firmly to the side that goes to starter. If it turns over ok then you know solenoid is bad. I know I know, your thinking but I just replaced the solenoid, I have gone through 2-3 new ones before I got a good one. They just don't make stuff like they use to.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,698
Likes: 47
From: Mexico, Missouri
Which solenoid? The fender mounted one or the solenoid on the starter? Sometimes people don't specify which.
If its the fender mounted solenoid, is it a Motorcraft replacement or a parts store brand?
If its the solenoid located in the starter itself, then check cable connections and clean up all points of contact as mentioned earlier.
If its the fender mounted solenoid, is it a Motorcraft replacement or a parts store brand?
If its the solenoid located in the starter itself, then check cable connections and clean up all points of contact as mentioned earlier.
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Fairdale,Ky
It's the one on the fender. Maybe the battery? It did start one time. And I know that sometimes a low battery will cause it to buzz. I got this part from the dealer. Thank you guys
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,533
Likes: 17
From: SW Florida
What makes you think its the solenoid? You replaced it already so start over again with your diagnostics. Look at the battery terminals, take them off and wire brush them til clean and shiny. Check that the ground to the engine block is clean and tight as well. Same with all the connections on the positive cables. Make sure the solenoid is firmly mounted and check with a meter to see that it has a clean, low-resistance connection to the body or better yet check between the solenoid body and battery negative.
Next, disconnect the cable from the starter to the solenoid and hit the key switch again. Does the solenoid pull in and stay on does it still buzz? If it still buzzes then check the voltage to the small terminal and you should find 12+ DC volts. If you have that then your solenoid is junk. If not, then you have a voltage drop problem.
Make SURE the truck is NOT in gear, make sure the parking brake is on and if it's automatic then also make sure it's in park, then reconnect the starter to the solenoid and jump the two power terminals while monitoring battery voltage. It should not go lower than about 11 volts while the starter is engaged.
Let us know what you find.
Next, disconnect the cable from the starter to the solenoid and hit the key switch again. Does the solenoid pull in and stay on does it still buzz? If it still buzzes then check the voltage to the small terminal and you should find 12+ DC volts. If you have that then your solenoid is junk. If not, then you have a voltage drop problem.
Make SURE the truck is NOT in gear, make sure the parking brake is on and if it's automatic then also make sure it's in park, then reconnect the starter to the solenoid and jump the two power terminals while monitoring battery voltage. It should not go lower than about 11 volts while the starter is engaged.
Let us know what you find.
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Fairdale,Ky
I know it's the starter solenoid because the last one stuck and the starter wouldn't disengage. Then I gave it a good wack and it disengaged. It's an automatic. And I don't have a voltmeter. Even though I'm a 61 year old women, I had helped my dad work on vehicles since a kid. And I've had this truck longer than most people were married. lol I still think it is something stupid. All my wires are clean.
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Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,533
Likes: 17
From: SW Florida
I know it's the starter solenoid because the last one stuck and the starter wouldn't disengage. Then I gave it a good wack and it disengaged. It's an automatic. And I don't have a voltmeter. Even though I'm a 61 year old women, I had helped my dad work on vehicles since a kid. And I've had this truck longer than most people were married. lol I still think it is something stupid. All my wires are clean.
I forgot to mention the most basic test of all first, checking your battery voltage. This is best done with a load tester but you could use the truck's electrics as a load as well. Without a voltmeter you are severely limited in your ability to test things. It doesn't have to be an expensive one, even the cheap digital ones from the parts store will do.
Try this: turn on your headlights and hit the starter. Do the lights dim down?
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,533
Likes: 17
From: SW Florida
Well, you said all your wires are clean so it sounds like you have a junk battery if the lights don't even work. Can you get a friend or neighbor or someone to give you and the battery a ride to the parts store? If so then most of them will test it for free.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,573
Likes: 5,609
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
when putting the wires on the fender starter relay, all wires go on the battery side except for the small push on wire and the wire going to the battery.
it is very easy to hook one of the wires up to the wrong terminal.
it is very easy to hook one of the wires up to the wrong terminal.