Mysterious black box...
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: USA
Mysterious black box...
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.
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Mysterious black box...
Is it possible you have an aftermarket alarm system ?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,562
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From: South Jersey
Mysterious black box...
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 15-Sep-02 AT 08:07 PM (EST)]Have you checked the battery cables, they corrode inside. That box does sound like something aftermarket but I don't think it's you problem, it just sounds like you are not getting suffient power which causes the solenoid chatter. Have you had the battery load tested?
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Joined: Oct 2002
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Mysterious black box...
hey man i know this sounds crazy but tap your starter with a hammer a couple of times then see if it will start if so take of and replace or even check and make sure the ground wires are clean all thats been the biggest problems ive found on some of the newer cars doing this
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Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Cedar City, Utah usa
Mysterious black box...
I had a similiar problem on my 93 4 cylinder. Finally pulled the starter itself, took it to Auto Zone for testing. Worked on their test machine but the amps were way low. Put on a new starter and all is well. Suggest you have the starter motor checked. Good luck!
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Mysterious black box...
The Starter Immobilizer is an aftermarket anti-theft device. You will need to repair the wiring in your truck. If you don't have the ability to restore the wiring per the schematics for your truck you will need to take it to a reliable mechanic for repairs.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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From: CT USA
Mysterious black box...
if you are hearing the starter solinoid "clicking" that means the starter circut is functioning correctly at least up to that point. therefore i would not fault whatever that black box is because if that caused the problem i doubt you would have heard the clicking. I would look more toward objects after the solinoid or mainly the starter (assuming your battery is good). It could be a dead spot on the starter motor. But check the connections at the starter motor too. a wire could have come loose somewhere.
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Joined: Dec 2002
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Mysterious black box...
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
Good luck.
Mutz
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: W-S
Mysterious black box...
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 23-Dec-02 AT 08:05 PM (EST)]Come on guys, Think. He shorted the selinoid. So he either has a bad conection at the battery, the starter or the battery, the starter is bad. Don't rule out the starter being bad. So try jumping it off( I really assume you've either tried jumping it off or know your batteries fine). If that doesn't work take the positive cable and touch it to the starter side of the selenoid. If that dosen't work check your cable and connection at the starter. Next step is new starter.
I realize this thread is a couple months old, but some one searching the post may actually want a step by step way to find/fix the problem.
I realize this thread is a couple months old, but some one searching the post may actually want a step by step way to find/fix the problem.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 420
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From: Harrisburg USA
Mysterious black box...
In line with several of the prior posts, sounds like the solenoid is OK. Like "mathelm" said, shorting across the solenoid pretty much ruled that out. The idea of corrosion at the battery is THE FIRST THING TO CHECK EVERY TIME! After cleaning the battery connections, lube the posts & terminals THOROUGHLY with a grease designed for that purpose, to slow the rate at which corrosion occurs in the future. In reference to "4_6ranger" suggestion to tap the starter ... believe it or not, I too have had that happen. I had to tap the starter with a hammer while my wife held the ignition switch in the start position every time, until we had time & bucks to replace the starter. Also, how old is the battery?? The battery can be putting out enough juice to power everything, as though normal, but NOT ENOUGH to crank the starter. That WILL cause the clicking solenoid every time you try to crank. And also as mentioned, the connections at the starter itself. Clean them just as you would the BATTERY connections. This is all reasonably simple, & cheap or free stuff to cover before going into the more involved, & maybe costly stuff. Yes, this thread is a number of months old. Have you had any luck??? Should be a very simple thing to fix.