Turn the key and...nothing!
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 72
Likes: 1
From: Nashville USA
Turn the key and...nothing!
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 22-Sep-02 AT 05:07 AM (EST)]I went out to my truck tonight, turned the key, and nothing happened. No click or anything. I tried another battery, and that was not the issue. What should I check and in what order? I know the battery is good. Does the wiring go straight from the switch to the starter solenoid? If I understand it correctly, the starter solenoid has a cable from the positive side of the battery on one side, and the large cable that connects to the starter on the other side. It also has two small wires connected to the front of it. Is there anything between the switch in the dash and the solenoid? I have the fender-mounted solenoid. What is the best brand to buy. Advance Auto Parts has one made by GP Sorensen for $5.99. Is there any benefit to buying one of the higher priced solenoids?
Thanks for any help.
John
Thanks for any help.
John
all alone in the world
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,038
Likes: 1
From: oklahoma
Turn the key and...nothing!
first use a test light. check from positive bat cable to motor, head , manifold, it dont realy matter. if you get a good bright light have someone try the key. if the light goes out, check your cables for connection. if it stays bright, use an old screwdriver and jump from the hot post on the solenoid to the s post on the solenoid. if the motor turns check your ignition switch. if it doesnt turn check your ground cables at the battery, at the block, and from the block to the frame and body. if all is good and tight and clean, then check your fuseable links. they are on the bat side of the solenoid. turn the key on, clamp your test light to the bat post on the solenoid, and stab each of the big wires coming off the bat post on the solenoid with the test light. do this about 2 or 3 inches away from the solenoid. if the test light lights up on all of them you either, you either have a bad cable, or a loose connection at the bat side of the solenoid. if it only lights on 1 or 2 you have a broken fuse link. you can buy fuse links, or fuse holders to replace any broken links. if you use fuse holders, be sure to remove all of the old fuse link from the wire.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
From: Fairbanks USA
Turn the key and...nothing!
I've got the exact same thing, only I call it my anti-theft device! Try this, with the key in the Ignition and in the start position wiggle the wiring in the back of the ignition switch. You could have a loose connection back there or as in my case I think the switch is going bad. If that doesn't work try this, (be careful though) turn your key to start and then run your tranny selector through the gears(if auto trans)careful because if it starts it might try to take off on you. If it starts then yout selector might need adjusting or you could have a problem with your nuetral safety switch.
I just had this happen two days ago and it was my ignition switch.
Good luck with it.
I just had this happen two days ago and it was my ignition switch.
Good luck with it.
Elder User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 799
Likes: 0
Turn the key and...nothing!
I did the same thing last night while on a trip to the hardware store.
I guess the wood-screw size, shutting off the headlights, turning off the key, and putting it in park were too many things to remember. ;-)
Steering columns with the interlocking key mechanism in our other cars spoil us.
--Matt
1972 F250 Custom Sport Camper Special 4x2 360 2v C6 3.73
Soon to have a 104" wheelbase as part of a Broncification project
My FTE Website -- http://www.clubfte.com/users/mlf72f250/index.html
My Galleries -- https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaygallery.php?userid=1108
I guess the wood-screw size, shutting off the headlights, turning off the key, and putting it in park were too many things to remember. ;-)
Steering columns with the interlocking key mechanism in our other cars spoil us.
--Matt
1972 F250 Custom Sport Camper Special 4x2 360 2v C6 3.73
Soon to have a 104" wheelbase as part of a Broncification project
My FTE Website -- http://www.clubfte.com/users/mlf72f250/index.html
My Galleries -- https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaygallery.php?userid=1108
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