Dead battery and weird starter problem...HELP!
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 6
From: Albuquerque
Dead battery and weird starter problem...HELP!
Hi all,
I own a '76 F-150 4x4 with a 390FE. I went to start the truck today after not running it for a few weeks and the engine cranked over very slowly and then nothing. Thinking the battery was drained down, I pulled out a self contained combo battery jumper that I have used in the past. Any way as soon as I connected the cables, the trucks starter turns over??? I made sure to check the key and it was in the off position. I almost ran over myself because the truck was in 1st and jumped forward. To make sure I was not crazy, I tried it several times...each time the starter turns over and tries to start the truck???
I'm thinking it's either the starter itself or the solenoid???
Any idea's??? Please help...
Thanks!!!
I own a '76 F-150 4x4 with a 390FE. I went to start the truck today after not running it for a few weeks and the engine cranked over very slowly and then nothing. Thinking the battery was drained down, I pulled out a self contained combo battery jumper that I have used in the past. Any way as soon as I connected the cables, the trucks starter turns over??? I made sure to check the key and it was in the off position. I almost ran over myself because the truck was in 1st and jumped forward. To make sure I was not crazy, I tried it several times...each time the starter turns over and tries to start the truck???
I'm thinking it's either the starter itself or the solenoid???
Any idea's??? Please help...
Thanks!!!
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 850
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg Canada
Where are you jumping it? On the battery or solenoid?
If on battery, solenoid is bad.
If jumping on the solenoid, are you sure your on the battery terminal and not the starter terminal?
Just thought I'd ask.
If on battery, solenoid is bad.
If jumping on the solenoid, are you sure your on the battery terminal and not the starter terminal?
Just thought I'd ask.
Thread Starter
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 6
From: Albuquerque
Originally Posted by joners
Where are you jumping it? On the battery or solenoid?
If on battery, solenoid is bad.
If jumping on the solenoid, are you sure your on the battery terminal and not the starter terminal? Just thought I'd ask.
If on battery, solenoid is bad.
If jumping on the solenoid, are you sure your on the battery terminal and not the starter terminal?
Just thought I'd ask....on the battery. Well, the "old" solenoid had to go sometime...as I think it might be the original. Asked my Father (original owner) and he does not remember ever replacing it.
Thanks for the info!
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 6
From: Albuquerque
Originally Posted by Franklin2
If you have continuity between #3 and #6 with the key off, then the solenoid(starter relay) is welded together.
However, could this bad solenoid have a long lasting effect on my battery? Or do you think I can simply charge it back up and off I go? The battery is the Optima "Yellow" top deep cycle...less than two years old.
Also, should I charge up the battery before replacing the solenoid? I know that sounds like an easy question, but just want to cover all the bases.
Thanks again for all that replied...I really appreciate it!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,740
Likes: 37
From: Central NYS
Originally Posted by biz4two
Also, should I charge up the battery before replacing the solenoid
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 6
From: Albuquerque
Originally Posted by biz4two
However, could this bad solenoid have a long lasting effect on my battery? Or do you think I can simply charge it back up and off I go? The battery is the Optima "Yellow" top deep cycle...less than two years old.
Thanks again!
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Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 455
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From: Alaska
The solenoid going bad should not harm the battery, all it would do is keep the starter engaged until the battery is dead.
Charge the battery and go your way, if in doubt, go to the local parts house and have it tested, this should be a free service.
Charge the battery and go your way, if in doubt, go to the local parts house and have it tested, this should be a free service.