Feeling dumb
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
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Feeling dumb
I drove my 86 f150 to the store to get a $2 rubber mallet. When I came back out I turned the key, got one click and there was no power to anything.
I unhooked the cables, just to see, put them back on and I had lights inside the cab again. Turned the key, one click and no power to anything again.
Thinking it might be a bad solenoid I changed it out and same story.
I pulled the starter to bench test it but since it has a fender mounted solenoid and that fender just happens to be 7.5 miles from where I am I don't think I can bench test it. Or can I? Any testing suggestions? Also how would I go about checking my fusible links?
I unhooked the cables, just to see, put them back on and I had lights inside the cab again. Turned the key, one click and no power to anything again.
Thinking it might be a bad solenoid I changed it out and same story.
I pulled the starter to bench test it but since it has a fender mounted solenoid and that fender just happens to be 7.5 miles from where I am I don't think I can bench test it. Or can I? Any testing suggestions? Also how would I go about checking my fusible links?
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
You could hook up the starter directly to a battery source using jumper cables. Sure, sparks
will fly, but you'll be able to see if it works.
Tug firmly on both sides of the wires containing fusible links; if they've melted, the wire will
pull apart fairly easily.
I would first check your battery cables and all connections, especially the grounds.
will fly, but you'll be able to see if it works.
Tug firmly on both sides of the wires containing fusible links; if they've melted, the wire will
pull apart fairly easily.
I would first check your battery cables and all connections, especially the grounds.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 153
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From: Selkirk NY
As basic as it may sound, the first thing I would do is tighten up the battery cables as much as possible. That sounds exactly like what my truck does when I don't have the cable tightened all the way.
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Senior User
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Update.
I replaced the starter and the solenoid and the ignition switch(the one on the column with the actuator). No change. I think I have a ground or something simple to find. I know nothing about electricity though.
When I put the battery cables on the battery the dome light in the cab comes on. If I turn the key or even pull the headlight switch on all power dies. If I take the battery cables off and replace them the dome light is on again. This is so frustrating because I know it's something easy.
I replaced the starter and the solenoid and the ignition switch(the one on the column with the actuator). No change. I think I have a ground or something simple to find. I know nothing about electricity though.
When I put the battery cables on the battery the dome light in the cab comes on. If I turn the key or even pull the headlight switch on all power dies. If I take the battery cables off and replace them the dome light is on again. This is so frustrating because I know it's something easy.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Selkirk NY
Are you able to just twist and lift the battery cable off or do you have to get out the tools and loosen the terminal connectors on the battery?
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 153
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From: Selkirk NY
Cool, that is a good thing. You were asking the best way to test fusible links. grab each one on either side and tug gently pulling away from the link area. If you see any stretching of the link, it will need to be replaced. Another thing to check would be any place that the battery cables connect to the body or frame or even the starter. Take a piece of 80 grit sand paper and sand it down to bare metal to make sure that it is making a clean connection.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,935
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From: Arcadia, Fla
Sounds like your battery has a bad cell in it. Try another battery and see what happens.
I had this happen several times, with light electrical loads(dome light,clock/radio ect) everything will look good, but when you need current from the battery(starting), it won't give much out hence the totaly dead effect.
I had this happen several times, with light electrical loads(dome light,clock/radio ect) everything will look good, but when you need current from the battery(starting), it won't give much out hence the totaly dead effect.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 291
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From: Lockport, IL
Sounds like your battery has a bad cell in it. Try another battery and see what happens.
I had this happen several times, with light electrical loads(dome light,clock/radio ect) everything will look good, but when you need current from the battery(starting), it won't give much out hence the totaly dead effect.
I had this happen several times, with light electrical loads(dome light,clock/radio ect) everything will look good, but when you need current from the battery(starting), it won't give much out hence the totaly dead effect.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Des Plaines, Illinois
Did you already replace the actuator in addition to the ignition switch? Is the switch positioned correctly on the column?
You can use a screwdriver to run the switch through all its positions, up to and including start.
I don't *think* there are many differences between your truck and my '90, but I had a similar problem with a broken actuator that wouldn't push the switch enough AND a blown fusible link. Same deal, dome light, nothing else.
You can use a screwdriver to run the switch through all its positions, up to and including start.
I don't *think* there are many differences between your truck and my '90, but I had a similar problem with a broken actuator that wouldn't push the switch enough AND a blown fusible link. Same deal, dome light, nothing else.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,849
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From: Seattle
If your battery terminals are clean and tight,
you may have too much resistance in the battery cables themselves.
You may have to replace the cables.
Had that problem with a 69 Firebird.
New cables,
problem solved.
Dan.
you may have too much resistance in the battery cables themselves.
You may have to replace the cables.
Had that problem with a 69 Firebird.
New cables,
problem solved.
Dan.