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****SOLVED*****
see last post
(spoiler alert - it was usable link M and another that had burned out)
Driving home today my girl just quit!
All dash lights turned off (and wont come back on)
motor turned off and will not turn over start or show any responsiveness when I turn the key.
I am thinking it has to do with the ignition system but not sure where to start on this.
no response regardless of what position the key is in.
Dome light does come on when the door is open.
No lights on the dash
the battery is showing 13V
My initial thought was the alternator went out and I missed a dash warning light.
However, the dome light is still on and the battery shows good charge.
The truck does take a little cranking before it starts. (not sure if this is a clue that I am not understanding. )
recent work:
new spark plug wires, distributor cap and rotor
new A/C (retrofit) (including compressor, evaporator and lines)
new exhaust manifold
new accessory drive belt and tensioner
Any guidance is welcome!
****update****
I am assuming this quick disconnect is the issue:
Last edited by sparklepony; Sep 11, 2024 at 08:31 PM.
Reason: update
Might be helpful if you tell us what truck you own.
So it cranks and starts, but no dash lights?
Open your driver's door so the dome light is on then turn on your headlights. Does the dome light extinguish?
Might be helpful if you tell us what truck you own.
So it cranks and starts, but no dash lights?
Open your driver's door so the dome light is on then turn on your headlights. Does the dome light extinguish?
Sounds like fuses or ignition switch.
Sorry about that - thought it was in my signature
1989 F250 XL extended cab 5.8L 4x4
no. it does not crank.
no dash lights no radio. does not crank, does not start .
the headlights come on and the dome lights come on - no other indication of electricity
everything that does not require the ignition to be on still works (headlights, dome lights)
Everything that requires key does not work, the engine will not turn over, ACC (radio) does not work, no first position indicators (check engine light).
no fuses appear to be burned out.
as per the picture in the chain, the quick disconnect next to the ignition coil is melted. I put those two wires together just to see if that would do anything and it does not change the current state. (anybody know what that does?)
Check the yellow? fuse link wires at / near the battery that go to the starter solenoid
Thats where the juice comes from going into the cab and ignition switch
If there is no trouble there, interrogate the ignition switch
Means move it around some and cut the wire tie holding the connector and wiggle the connector around some
Watch that switch visually while you do that, see if the plastic is loose against the pot metal switch housing
It's common for the ignition switches to come apart and then quit, sometimes it shorts out and burns a fuse link or two
Check the yellow? fuse link wires at / near the battery that go to the starter solenoid
Thats where the juice comes from going into the cab and ignition switch
If there is no trouble there, interrogate the ignition switch
Means move it around some and cut the wire tie holding the connector and wiggle the connector around some
Watch that switch visually while you do that, see if the plastic is loose against the pot metal switch housing
It's common for the ignition switches to come apart and then quit, sometimes it shorts out and burns a fuse link or two
I think you are referring to this one? fuse is good.
I'll check the ignition switch and see if there is any indication there -
I was thinking that I could take the ohm meeter and see where current stops.. best to start at the battery and trace back?
Last edited by sparklepony; Sep 12, 2024 at 12:24 PM.
Reason: adding picture
I think you are referring to this one? fuse is good.
That is not a factory relay and fuse assembly. That complicates troubleshooting this problem.
The silver canister mounted on the coil bracket is a radio suppression capacitor. We have a seen a few of those short the ignition power to ground. Disconnect it, turn the key to the Run position, then check for power at the coil. If no power check Fuse Link M. It is one of the fuse links mounted on the battery side of the starter solenoid. It is a blue 20ga. fuse link, but the wire is yellow as mentioned previously.
Back to that relay, it shows a yellow wire going to one terminal, and a red wire on the other. Any idea what that relay is actually doing? The label states Hella which is an aftermarket light/lamp manufacturer. If the truck has fog or running lights that may be the relay for them. No one knows until you start tracing wires.
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