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[updated:LAST EDITED ON 16-Apr-02 AT 10:48 PM (EST)]My 78 Ford Bronco won't turn over. I hear a click in the solenoid as soon as i turn the key but nothing else. I tried to jump it to no avail. Is there a way to bypass the solenoid with a cable or jumper. Any help i would appreciate it. Thanks.
Connect a jumper cable to the battery positive and touch the other end to the large terminal of the starter relay that has the wire going to the starter on it. If the starter is good it should spin the engine over. If it does it is a relay problem or a bad connection/wire from the battery positive to the relay.
If it doesnt spin make sure the starter has a good ground. You can even run another jumper cable from the starter mounting bolt to the battery negative to be sure it is grounded.
If it still doesnt spin, hook the jumper cable to the starter positive post, then touch the other end to the battery positive. If starter spins the wire from the relay to the starter is bad.
If it still doesnt spin remove the starter and drop by your favorite Parts Store and get it tested, normally for free while you are there you might have to buy a new starter.
Usually if the solenoid clicks it is working. That said if it is quite old the power contacts can be pitted/dirty/etc etc and thus not passsing the voltage/current thru to the starter.