>About a 2 weeks ago I couldn't start my truck. When I turned
>the key I heard a clicking sound that I found out was coming
>from the solenoid. I tried to bypass the solenoid with a
>screwdriver but I still could not start it. I figured that
>the screwdriver wasnt conducting well so I replaced the
>solenoid...still nothing, and made the same sound. Heres the
>catch-I recently found a switch under the steering column
>connected to a little black box labeled "Starter
>Imobelizer". I tried flipping the switch, but still nothing.
>I then realized that it had wires running to the solenoid,
>so I disconnected them, nothing. There is a wiring harness
>running from the box to who knows where that I disconnected
>also, but still nothing. Could there be a blown fuse?... a
>computer problem? There are no loose wires and the battery
>is charged. I was able to pop start it and it ran fine by
>the way. I am confounded by this problem- Its seems that no
>power is getting to the starter, and I can only think that
>this Imobelizer is to blame. Any help will be extremely
>appreciated since my 93 xlt 4x4 4.0 v6 has been out of
>commision for 2 weeks and I miss our time together, thanks
>again.

Two things come to mind. Just because the solenoid is activating, it doesn't mean the starter will spin. Might be a bad starter ?

Second, Just because your solenoid is activating, it doesn't mean there is enough current to spin over the starter. You could have a weak battery or a corroded connection at the battery.

Here is a quick & dirty test you can do. It is not perfect, but it can give an indication of where to start.

Turn on the headlights. If they aren't burning normally, you need to look at the battery and connections.

With the headlights ON, try to start the truck. If the headlights:

1. Stay the same, and the truck won't start - You _probably_ have a bad connection or possibly a bad starter motor. I guess it's possible it could be the solenoid too. What this basically indicates that you have enough juice in the battery, but for whatever reason there is no major current being drawn when you try to start the truck. When a truck is starting with the headlights on, it is VERY clear that major current is being drawn by the brightness of the headlights when everything is working properly.

2. The headlights dim - Possible shorted starter motor or other wiring. Could also be the battery and/or connections. This indication basically shows that _something_ is drawing major current, or the Battery doesn't have the guts to do it's job.

Knowing whether the Battery is getting hit with a major request for current goes a long way in helping determine where the problem is.

Larry

 

>I have had the same problem with my '93 Ranger. I don't
>know what the permanent fix is, but a temporary one is to
>lossen the battery terminals and move them around a little.
>It seems as though a little corrossion builds up between the
>post and the terminal that disrupts the contact. It occurs
>most often when there is moisture in the air (fog or rain).
>
>Good luck.
>Mutz

This is an extremly common condition. Back in my mechnic days (a LONG time ago ), this was the first thing I'd check.

When the battery connections are corroded and not making good contact, the battery can provide enough current to run low-draw devices (small lights, signals, fans, windows, locks, etc...) but not be able to provide enough current for high-draw demands (starter motor is the highest-draw device on a vehicle in most cases).

Larry