Won't Start
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Brumley, MO
Won't Start
So my truck is dead, and it's still got lights, and everything, and I even tried to jumpstart it so it's not the battery. It makes zero noise from under the hood. I am sure it is either the Solenoid(spelling), or the starter, is there any way to tell which it is. 1983 300 6, 4 speed, 4x4 incase you were wondering.
Thanks in adavnce.
Thanks in adavnce.
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
From Franklin2's diagrams:
Jump numbers 3 & 5 on the solenoid, the starter should engage.
What happens on yours?
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From: Virginia
Yes, jump 3 to 5. MAKE SURE THE TRUCK IS IN PARK OR NEUTRAL. If it cranks, then you have a problem with your ignition switch or the neutral safety switch circuit, and the solenoid is ok.
If that doesn't work jump 3 to 6 using a large jumper cable. If it cranks then, then yes it could be the solenoid is bad.
If that doesn't work jump 3 to 6 using a large jumper cable. If it cranks then, then yes it could be the solenoid is bad.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Brumley, MO
Well I can turn the key to the on position, and the radio and stuff comes on, but when I try to start it nothing. So put jumper cables on number 3 and 5? Which terminal gets pausitive, and which gets negative?
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
No, DO NOT hook positive and negative to the solenoid! You're confused... All you need to
do is use a small screwdriver or small piece of wire to connect numbers 3 & 5 together (as
Frankln2 said, while in PARK or NEUTRAL).
Again, crossing those connections should make your starter motor engage; another test
Franklin2 suggested if the first test didn't make the starter turn requires a jumper cable...
jump 3 to 6, using ONE jumper cable, i.e. connect one end of a jumper cable to #3 (or, to the
battery, it really shouldn't matter provided your battery cables are in good shape) and
connect the other end of the same cable to #6. It will spark pretty intensely as you supply
direct DC voltage to the starter motor.
do is use a small screwdriver or small piece of wire to connect numbers 3 & 5 together (as
Frankln2 said, while in PARK or NEUTRAL).
Again, crossing those connections should make your starter motor engage; another test
Franklin2 suggested if the first test didn't make the starter turn requires a jumper cable...
jump 3 to 6, using ONE jumper cable, i.e. connect one end of a jumper cable to #3 (or, to the
battery, it really shouldn't matter provided your battery cables are in good shape) and
connect the other end of the same cable to #6. It will spark pretty intensely as you supply
direct DC voltage to the starter motor.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Brumley, MO
Ok I see what you are saying a mechanic friend of mine rigged up a huge wire with bolts on each end to use on my Jeep, but I forgot how to do it. I will try it in the morning thanks guys.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Brumley, MO
Well I went out today, and tried to start it for poopo and grins. It actually cranked over but it was slow. After it cranked over a couple of times it was dead again nothing no noise under the hood at all. So I got under the hood, and everything was a little different than the diagram up above. I think I hit 3 and 5, and it acted like it wanted to start, but it was slow. Now when I turn the key it clicks. I don't know WTF is wrong.
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Elder User
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From: LaGrande,Ore
starting prob.
Sounds like you may have a battery cable issue. I would check your system with a volt meter, one step at a time. Your system gets its power from the battery side of the solenoid. Be aware that low voltage can cause other components to fail, such as solenoid and starter. You may have more than one issue to deal with. The system is a team and only as strong as its weakest link.As always be sure of a good ground.OBCB
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From: In my own world
clean the battery terminals and cables. use a volt meter to make sure you have at least 12 volts. charge the battery with a tricle charger over night, then do a load test. be sure the battery is correct, it may have enough to light the lights, but not enough to crank it over
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Elder User
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From: Brumley, MO
I got it to start twice today. I don't know what the deal is, but I know the battery terminals could use a good cleaning and the one cable needs put on better. I don't know if it's a 1983 thing but both vehicles I have owned from that year had the cable colors backwards on the battery(black on + red on -) go figure.
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Start with the basics and ensure all your cables & connections are good, your battery is
good. And, don't forget about the ground (where the battery cable attaches to the
engine and/or frame). Also, the solenoid grounds to the fender through the mounting bolts,
it couldn't hurt to remove & clean it all up.
good. And, don't forget about the ground (where the battery cable attaches to the
engine and/or frame). Also, the solenoid grounds to the fender through the mounting bolts,
it couldn't hurt to remove & clean it all up.
