ignition problem

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Jun 27, 2007 | 10:19 PM

specialist484

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ignition problem

I left my lights on over night on my 88f150 5.0. When I went to jump it It didn't turn over and I could see smoke coming off one of the wires to the solinoid. The ground wire to the alternator was completly fried. So I made a jumper wire from the ground to the same wire a ways down. Thats where Iam at now.

It was power when I turn the key to "on", but nothing when I turn to "start". I tried using a screwdriver to connet the two bolts on the solinoid, but it turns over so weak it won't start. I need a some help while I do search.

Jun 28, 2007 | 12:46 AM

Half Breed

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From: SouthWest Ga.

Have you

Have you checked the cells in battery, yes i know it's dead and won't crank but [this happened to me] I tried to jump off my wifes 77 Pontiac Firebird, the same thing happened to me that you describe. The battery was so dead it would not jump. Once I figured out the cells in the battery were dead also, I dumped the acid, replaced and put it on a slow charge. Once the battery was recharged no more problem. I had the acid already so no problem. You can use a guage from a parts place to check the cells or take it to a Auto Zone or some place such as that and they can check the cells. For you it may be easier and cheaper to by a new battery.

Jun 28, 2007 | 07:11 AM

subford

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From: Easton,Ks

Quote:

Originally Posted by specialist484

When I went to jump it It didn't turn over and I could see smoke coming off one of the wires to the solinoid.

Low voltage will result in high amperage and this will cause the smoke and take out starter solenoids. Always recharge the battery to a full charge before trying to start it. The alternator maintains the charge and carriers the load of the truck and is not made to recharge a battery.

Quote:

Originally Posted by specialist484

The ground wire to the alternator was completly fried.

The alternator does not have a ground wire.

Quote:

Originally Posted by specialist484

So I made a jumper wire from the ground to the same wire a ways down. Thats where Iam at now.

Are you talking about the ground wire from the NEG post of the battery to the engine block?

Jun 30, 2007 | 12:08 AM

specialist484

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I replaced the alternator because it was bad. The truck will start now only when I put a screw driver to the solenoid. Does this mean I need a new solenoid or that its not getting power? Everything else works when I turn the key to "start".

Jun 30, 2007 | 08:05 AM

subford

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From: Easton,Ks

Where are you putting the screwdriver?
From the small screw on the solenoid to the battery cable or across the solenoid from large battery cable to large starter cable?

Jun 30, 2007 | 11:40 AM

specialist484

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across the larger bolts. Not the small one that holds the red wire.

Jun 30, 2007 | 11:56 AM

subford

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From: Easton,Ks

Try taking the red wire off and short the small screw to the POS post of the battery and see if it cranks.
If it does not then you need a new solenoid.
If it does crank then we will have to look into the start wire circuit.