Hello all new to FTE and had a question on some electrical issues i have with my 86 302 efi truck this has been an ongoing issue for me it started with the alternator not charging the battery so i changed that tightened my belts and no luck so then i checked my wire loom and that was good then thought maybe the starter solenoid went bad changed that then plugged everything back in and nothing no power to my cab or lights so i cleaned my grounds and replaced my battery leads still nothing then i ohms tested all my fuse links all passed still nothing then i did a voltage test and yep you guessed it nothing same problem no power anywhere then i replace the ignition switch on the steering column still nada but then i started checking for where my voltage dropped and i was getting power everywhere i think i should be getting power so im at a loss here...any ideas on where to look next or even a solution ?...ive even checked the fuses in the box and they are all good too.

Thanks BullNose96

 

Check your connections at the solenoid. It's a very common mistake to put the small wire that feeds the electrical of the truck on the wrong side of the solenoid. It should be on the battery side.

The main feed for the truck is hooked to the battery side of the solenoid, goes through a fusible link, then goes to some splices and more fusible links, and then goes into the cab on the pass side through the firewall to the keyswitch and the fuse box. There should be one or two large yellow wires that feed the whole truck on the pass side engine compartment.

 

Wow, I'm having the same issue with my 83! Check out the "Electrical gremlins" thread for some possible solutions. I'll let you know when I get mine fixed. It could be the same sort of issue.

 

can i get a picture of the proper way this is supposed to be wired

 

Sorry to say O don't have a good picture from either of my trucks and being they are apart cant get one for you but lets see if we cant talk you thru this.


You have a large cable from batt to SOL. and it should bolt on to 1 of the large lugs closest to the batt. when the SOL. is bolted in place.
You should have 2 or 3 smaller wires with eyelets on them they also go on the same large lug the batt cable is on.


Some people put them on the other large lug going to the starter and that is wrong. The smaller wires are the power feeds to the rest of the truck and need to get power all the time.
They also have fuse links, they look like normal wire but the inside is made to blow like a fuse if power draw is too much.


To test the fuse links you can try and bend the wire in an arch and if it has a sharp bend then it could be blown.
The best way is with a test light. Check to have power were it bolts on then check farther down the wire where it connects with the harness, you should have power there too.
You can get the links in auto parts stores if you need one.


That should get you power into the truck so when the key is turned you should get dash lights. Also if you turn on the head light they should also work.


The other large lug should have the other batt. cable going to the starter.


You may have 1 or 2 small wires with push on connectors. 1 should get power only when you turn the key to start, that goes on the small lug with the "S".
If you have another small wire & connector that would go on the small "I" lug.
Dave ----