Starter Engaging w/o Key

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Mar 15, 2009 | 04:10 PM

#16

baldboyford

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From: Blue Ball, PA

Does the solenoid have a small guage wire going to a small post? That wire is the wire that engages the solenoid. If you don't have that wire, it may be ran down to the starter from the factory. You may need to pull that wire up and connect it to the top small post of the solenoid. If you already have a small wire to the small top post, then use a test light or VOM to verify you are getting the 12V to engage the solenoid when you turn the key to start the engine. I just did a search on advanceauto.com and you can get on for approx. $25.

Mar 15, 2009 | 04:16 PM

#17

hunteradams7

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I have that wire on the solenoid haven't really checked to see if it has power running thru it tho.. So if I'm getting power thru the small wire that engages the solenoid then what could be the other issue.. And if I'm not getting power thru it then what could it be on that end....

If I'm getting power to the solenoid then the solenoid is bad that's my guess and if I'm not getting power to the solenoid than the ignition switch is bad.. Would this be a good assumation...

Mar 15, 2009 | 07:42 PM

#18

Blue Rebel

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From: Cottage Grove, WI

Solenoids are real cheap. Go to any parts store and ask for the starter solenoid for your model year truck. Shouldnt be any more than 15 bucks. It will take 2 people to check power at the little wire. You will only have power there when you push the key all the way forward to start.

Mar 15, 2009 | 08:12 PM

#19

baldboyford

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From: Blue Ball, PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by hunteradams7

Your assumation would be correct. Blue Rebel is probably correct on the price for a new solenoid. I just did a quick search and looked at the first one that came up.

Mar 15, 2009 | 08:31 PM

#20

hunteradams7

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I appreciate the help I'm going to check it tomorrow to see if I might be able to find a solution to my problem.. Maybe it's just the solenoid do these tend to go out and if it's not I have no clue where the ignition switch would be... But sure I can search and find out...

Mar 15, 2009 | 08:36 PM

#21

Blue Rebel

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From: Cottage Grove, WI

Yes the solenoids are a common failure point. The ignition switch is mounted to the topside of your steering column. Getting to it isnt bad, just need to undo a couple bolts to let the column drop some.

Mar 15, 2009 | 08:41 PM

#22

baldboyford

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From: Blue Ball, PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue Rebel

Yeah, What Blue Rebel said.

Mar 15, 2009 | 09:36 PM

#23

Sportruk

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Joined: Jan 2009

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From: Brampton, On. Can.

Do a quick test of the solenoid. Jump between the battery power post and the small post on the solenoid. If it cranks the starter, the solenoid is fine.
Next, as said above, test for power at the small wire on the solenoid small post, while turning the ignition switch.
If no, at the transmission, check the White/Pink wire on the shifter switch for power while turning ignition switch.
If is a manual trans, check the switch on the clutch rod under the dash. There is 2 Red/Light Blue wires at the switch. One should show power while turning ignition.
Last point to check is the ignition switch. Disconnect the plug and put a jumper between the Red/Light Blue and one of the large yellow wires. That will send power directly to the solenoid and start cranking the starter.