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starter solenoid???

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Old Apr 22, 2007 | 01:00 AM
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starter solenoid???

Got into the truck today and when I tried to start it CLICK. I turned it off and waited and tried to start it again CLICK. I think it is the starter solenoid but I want to make sure. I dont think it is the starter itself as I am not getting the rapid clicking when the starter goes bad. Batteries are showing good juice. Thanks
 
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Old Apr 22, 2007 | 07:22 AM
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From: Central, Al
Turn the key on and jump the 2 big post on the solenoid behind the pass side battery next to the vacuum pump
 
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Old Apr 22, 2007 | 06:43 PM
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Sounds like it to me
 
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Old Apr 28, 2007 | 01:22 AM
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So I finally got around to changing my starter solenoid. I went to start the truck up and click. I cycled it again and click. One more time and it fired up. I drove it around for a while and shut it off. I wanted to see if it would start right up I tried to start it and click, one more cycle and click, once more and it fired up. Any ideas???? Maybe a loose connection or possibly the starter wire is bad? You guys got any ideas? This starter solenoid is not from Mastercraft I picked this one up at the local auto parts store. I am thinking I might try NAPA and see if their starter solenoid does the same thing.
 
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Old Apr 28, 2007 | 04:31 AM
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did you try jumping the two big posts on the soliniod with a screw driver or something like alan mentioned? That will tell you if it is bad.
 
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Old Apr 28, 2007 | 09:30 PM
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Went to NAPA today and me and the Tech went to my truck he could hear the solenoid making the click, he tapped the solenoid with a hammer as I started the truck and it started right up. So I figured the solenoid was bad. I went back to the auto store I bought the solenoid from and replaced it and I am still having the same problem. After a couple of tries the truck will start up. Is it possibly the starter wire? Or should I try another brand starter solenoid? Just to clarify it is NOT making the rapid clicking that would indicate bad starter or battery. It is just making a faint click on the passenger side.
 
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Old Apr 28, 2007 | 09:46 PM
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It sounds like the solenoid is not working right. Like a lot of other parts for our trucks, might need to stay with OEM products.
 
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Old Apr 28, 2007 | 10:10 PM
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Yeah, that is what I was thinking also. I wonder how much the solenoid is at the stealership. I dont know of any websites that sell OEM starter solenoid.
 
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Old Apr 28, 2007 | 10:21 PM
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From: Central, Al
Travis check the small wire on top that comes off the solenoid that is a ground trigger from the PCM. When the Key is in the start position there should be a constant continuity between that post and ground.
 
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Old Apr 29, 2007 | 03:34 AM
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Originally Posted by amiller93
Travis check the small wire on top that comes off the solenoid that is a ground trigger from the PCM. When the Key is in the start position there should be a constant continuity between that post and ground.
I will try that. What is the best way to test that wire? Would a voltmeter work?
 
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Old Apr 29, 2007 | 06:33 AM
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From: Central, Al
You can check continuity or resistance
 
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Old Apr 29, 2007 | 02:17 PM
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I checked all the wires and they look fine. No exposed wires, no cracks or tears. All the wires seem to be making a good connection when I tighten the bolts down. I even added spacers to make sure that the connecters were straight and flush. I am still getting the same results. After about three tries to start it fires up and runs fine. Batteries have good voltage and are 6 months old. I am going to go and get the Mastercraft solenoid from the stealership and see if that helps. I am wondering if the batch at the autoparts store are all faulty. Unfortunately if the starter solenoid is bad they wont warranty it again, they did once and said they couldnt do it again. Oh well it was only $20. I will keep you posted, if anyone has any ideas I am all ears.

Alan do think that if I took a pair of pliers and squeezed that wire to the post it would help?
 
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Old May 1, 2007 | 01:39 AM
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So those 2 solenoids I bought were bad. I tested them like you guys recommended with a screwdriver and no fire. I went and got the OEM Motorcraft one installed it and checked it with the screwdriver and it fired up. I tried again with the key and it took a couple of tries then it fired up. So I think my starter is going. I will be replacing it this week. Thanks for the help.
 
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Old May 1, 2007 | 07:36 AM
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If the soliniod is bad it should still start when you jump the two big terminals with a screw driver. When you connect the two terminals with a screw driver you are bypassing the soliniod and it should start right up if it is the soliniod that is bad. It sounds like your starter or something is bad. Check all your wires going to the starter from the soliniod and see if any are loose. I think i remember reading the starter is easy to get to and take out, might want to take it out and take it to a parts store and have them test it to see if it is your problem. good luck and enjoy the weather, i was in maui in feb and wish i was there everyday.
 
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Old May 1, 2007 | 01:18 PM
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Yeah it is the starter. When I do the screwdriver test I can hear a click. I will be replacing the starter this week.
 
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