No start help
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Trailering
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 22
Likes: 2
No start help
1984 F150 automatic 2WD. Turn key, no start, nothing. No click, no 12V to the starter relay trigger wire. All fuses pulled, none blown,
I tested the fusible links coming off the starter relay and wires in that area and they seem fine but I assume could be others need checking?
I had the dash apart doing a gauge install and forget to disconnect the battery and momemtary shorted the power wire to the aftermarket gauge cluster. I am tapped into the horn circuit (BK/O) and the fuse was fine. What would be likely item to blow? This could be a red herring the actual issue (or not)?
When I pull the starter relay trigger wire and turn it to crank it reads 0.2V.
How can I check the neutral/park safety on the column as I was having to pull pretty hard on the plastic column surround maybe I move something. Dash is apart to easy to just replace ignition switch.
From reading appears it could be: ignition switch/park safety switch (is it mechanical only ?), starter relay, or the Dura spark ignition control module.
What's my next move here? Any help appreciated.
I tested the fusible links coming off the starter relay and wires in that area and they seem fine but I assume could be others need checking?
I had the dash apart doing a gauge install and forget to disconnect the battery and momemtary shorted the power wire to the aftermarket gauge cluster. I am tapped into the horn circuit (BK/O) and the fuse was fine. What would be likely item to blow? This could be a red herring the actual issue (or not)?
When I pull the starter relay trigger wire and turn it to crank it reads 0.2V.
How can I check the neutral/park safety on the column as I was having to pull pretty hard on the plastic column surround maybe I move something. Dash is apart to easy to just replace ignition switch.
From reading appears it could be: ignition switch/park safety switch (is it mechanical only ?), starter relay, or the Dura spark ignition control module.
What's my next move here? Any help appreciated.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,951
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From: Virginia
I see you must have a meter. If you can get to the ignition switch, put your meter on the yellow wire, and the other black lead to a good ground. See if you can do this with the ignition switch still plugged in, try to jamb the meter lead in the back of the plug where the wire goes in. You should get 12v on the yellow wire. Then if you can, turn the ignition switch to start while still reading the yellow wire. If you still have 12v, your fusible links and power source under the hood are good.
A testlight with a sharp point also works very well for checking and back probing plugs.
A testlight with a sharp point also works very well for checking and back probing plugs.
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Trailering
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 22
Likes: 2
Awesome, this is the help I need 
I'll go grab a test light with the pointy tip on it that's a great idea. Truck is an hour+ from me and can get back at it next weekend. For the travel time I may end up part swapping as spend more in gas for what an ignition switch and starter relay cost.
So if the fusible links are good, what would be next on list? I didn't have wiring diagrams so did the best I could until late last night. I need to get wiring diagram for an 84 F150 gas truck.
Does the truck (automatic) have an actual park safety switch? I didn't think to jump the starter relay because I wasn't getting any voltage on the trigger wire when turned to start. Would the Dura spark/ignition module create a no signal to the trigger wire?
I'll go grab a test light with the pointy tip on it that's a great idea. Truck is an hour+ from me and can get back at it next weekend. For the travel time I may end up part swapping as spend more in gas for what an ignition switch and starter relay cost.So if the fusible links are good, what would be next on list? I didn't have wiring diagrams so did the best I could until late last night. I need to get wiring diagram for an 84 F150 gas truck.
Does the truck (automatic) have an actual park safety switch? I didn't think to jump the starter relay because I wasn't getting any voltage on the trigger wire when turned to start. Would the Dura spark/ignition module create a no signal to the trigger wire?
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,832
Likes: 4,097
From: Angier, NC
If you are sure the fuse links are good and think the NSS maybe out of adjustment hold key to start and move the shift lever.
Dave ----
Dave ----
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2013
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Wiring diagrams here for 1985. Your truck should be close:
https://www.garysgaragemahal.com/1985-evtm.html
Look on page 27.
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Trailering
Joined: Sep 2023
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will try to wiggle shifter in a bit. It is the rod that goes to the ignition switch that is the NSS?
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2013
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Which transmission do you have? Most NSS switches are easy to replace. Not sure about any adjustments. Take a look on RockAuto to see what your NSS looks like.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,832
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From: Angier, NC
No it is down on the auto transmission shifter input shaft.
Should have think 4 wires
1 is hot with key on to power the backup lights.
1 to the backup lights.
The other 2 should be the NSS wires and only 1 is hot when you turn the key the other goes back out to the starter solenoid.
You should be able to short them 2 together and if wiring is good should turn over.
Dave ----
Should have think 4 wires
1 is hot with key on to power the backup lights.
1 to the backup lights.
The other 2 should be the NSS wires and only 1 is hot when you turn the key the other goes back out to the starter solenoid.
You should be able to short them 2 together and if wiring is good should turn over.
Dave ----
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Trailering
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 22
Likes: 2
Ok I thought the rod on the column that goes to the ignition switch was a NSS. Maybe I misunderstand how it works
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Trailering
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 22
Likes: 2
No. The NSS is typically mounted on the side of the transmission. It’s the feedback to the start circuit confirming the transmission itself is in park or neutral. It’s not looking at the shift lever or external linkage, but the guts inside the transmission.
Which transmission do you have? Most NSS switches are easy to replace. Not sure about any adjustments. Take a look on RockAuto to see what your NSS looks like.
Which transmission do you have? Most NSS switches are easy to replace. Not sure about any adjustments. Take a look on RockAuto to see what your NSS looks like.
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