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I have a 1988 Ford F Super Duty at work that has a 460 with a ZF 5 speed transmission.
The problem we have is you turn the key over and all you hear is a click from the solenoid. So, we get out of the truck and cross the solenoid with a screw driver and it starts right up. I thought it had to be the solenoid. So I swap it out with a BRAND NEW one that we have. Turn the key over and the engine starts up BUT it keeps trying to turn over even after you let go of the key. So I disconnect the battery and it shuts down. I thought maybe the new solenoid was sticking so I replaced it with another NEW one that we had. It did the same thing. So we put the old one back on and have been using a screwdriver for the last week but want it fixed.
Parts that have been replaced recently: ALL battery cables, new starter, and battery is good.
What are the chances of 2 Motorcraft solenoids being bad? Maybe I can swap one out of another one of our work trucks that I KNOW works. I will try it and see what happens.
Well, I went and got ANOTHER solenoid. I had the exact same problem. After I cranked it, it would still crank after I let go of the key. So I RAN out and unhooked the negative cable. Tried again but this time I unhooked the little wire that sends the signal to the solenoid and it still cranked. I have no idea what the problem is. Any help?
-Matt
P.S. Mil1ion: I tried with the hood open and closed. No difference.
Noooo!!! Thats like me saying my F150 is broken so go try a Chebby!
I was actually thinking of trying an aftermarket one because that is what is on there now. We shall see. Thanks.
Well I am a a little embarassed! <img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4/4_18_5.gif' border=0></a>
Took the truck to the mechanic today (have been starting the truck with a screwdriver for the last couple months!) and it's all fixed.
Apparently, it makes a difference what side the cable FROM the battery and the cable TO the starter go on the solenoid! DUH! If it is hooked up backwards then the first time you start the truck it "welds" the inside of the solenoid parts together then it will keep cranking. Never knew that. Well, a new solenoid and some $ and all is fixed. Hope it helps someone else!