Electrical Problem -'82 F150

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Dec 30, 2009 | 10:14 AM

Poorwife

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Electrical Problem -'82 F150

Good Morning, Gentlemen. We're new here. We have an '82 F150 4.9L and are having some trouble. I've scanned through earlier posts, and just can't quite find anything related to our dilemma (though I will confess to not having read all 1000+ posts). The truck just won't crank. We have horn and headlights, but that drops out when the key turns all the way - just one click and then nothing. We've replaced the solenoid and the voltage regulator, and the control module is new as well. Alternator and starter have tested good at the parts store, and battery was new in August. Can anyone offer any advice or ideas about what to replace next? Thank you!

Dec 30, 2009 | 11:30 AM

Todd R

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I am no expert but I have had my share of electrical problems. This sound like either a weak batery or a bad ground or bad cables.

Dec 30, 2009 | 12:27 PM

Poorwife

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Hi, Todd R. Thank you for your reply. BTW - I meant 1000+ PAGES earlier! I'm on page 35 now. I believe the boys (Dad & Son) started with checking and cleaning the ground. There is a wire harness that goes from solenoid, battery, alternator, etc. that looks dodgy but we can't find it anywhere. Guy at parts store said Ford had discontinued and we'd have trouble if that is actually the problem! Battery replaced in August, and is good. That was our first thought when this first happened. And pretty sure the cables have been replaced as well. I say "pretty sure" because I am the one inside looking up stuff while they are outside with their hands on it!

Dec 30, 2009 | 12:53 PM

Todd R

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I had a feeling you had checked all that but I almost always overlook the most obvious. I had the same issue with discontinued harnesses with tail lights. fortunatley I had a parts truck that had them. Sounds like the harness could be you problem, you should be able to find one used. If not maybe you can coble somthing together. Good luck...

Dec 30, 2009 | 12:59 PM

Poorwife

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Thank you for the encouragement! I am keeping an eye on the P-A-P inventory for the latest near-model truck to come in! The boys went out there over the weekend, with no luck on that harness. It can be discouraging! We're hoping to have it back in the road before school starts back up on Monday!

Dec 30, 2009 | 01:02 PM

150bilt

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If thats were the problem is.You could make a new harness or pick one off a truck at the bone yard.

Let us know what you figure out.

Jan 1, 2010 | 11:13 AM

Poorwife

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WOOOHOOOO!! Truck's running!! ToddR - it WAS a battery cable!! I don't know what made the Boys try it, but they picked one up last night, and crank it did! They just didn't start there because they've been replaced in the last year. We did find a wire harness though. I called a friend out country and asked if the jy's were still out there - we had thought they had all closed down so were shopping pull a part. So I texted my boy and told him get the tools - we're going. We had a BLAST! And are stoked to find that yard still out there. We told the guy what we were looking for, and he drove us around and found it. On the way back, he stopped by a '80 truck to show us the most pristine interior you have ever laid eyes on. Door panels with the "wood grain" insets, and a bench seat you would NOT believe had ever been sat upon! We'll be going back to pick that up when they reopen after the holiday weekend. WOOOHOOOOO! And we have one HAPPY 17 year old on our hands! Thanks to all!!