Hey all!

I'm a new 97 Ford F250 Reg Cab HD long bed (believe that's the correct term for the truck) owner. This is my first Ford, but I've owned another truck and cars. I have all American brand vehicles (Chevy, Harley) and now Ford. It's nice to have a truck so far.

The truck is great for the price I paid, but there are some issues I'd like to get taken care of on it in the short future. Not sure of where I should put the threads, or if I can do everything in one big thread. Guidance on procedure would be nice.

Anyhow, I'll just put what I know here, and if need be I can always copy it to another thread

So it's a F250, I was wondering if there were any common problems with this model that I need to be looking for. I've looked online and haven't been able to find much. It has 185,000 miles on it, slightly leaks a little oil (don't know what from yet).

The previous owner used to start the truck by putting the negative cable on the battery, and connecting a piece of metal between two metal points on the left (think it's called a starter solenoid), then in order to turn off the truck he would take off the battery lead (that's what he called it). The reason he did this was because he needed to replace the ignition switch and hadn't gotten around to it. Now, I've installed a new ignition switch, but still having trouble getting the truck to start. I'll connect the negative battery cable, and the accessories turn on, but when I turn the key nothing happens. I also have to replace the door locks because he didn't have a key for that either. I have pictures of the ignition, and a few pictures of the engine assembly.

Now, I have absolutely no clue about engines, or mechanical things in general, I wasn't brought up working on cars or had to do anything on a vehicle before. However, I can be pretty nifty and I can work things out.

Sorry for such a long thread, I'd just like to get some of the issues worked out before winter snowstorms hit.

Thank you for reading my post

(oh, I've already done a search regarding the ignition issue, and did not find anything)

 

Did you replace the starter solenoid too? disconnect the battery, then get under the truck and clean the small flat connector at the starter and make sure it's tight in place. Regarding technical questions, you might want to post these here, you'll get a lot more answers: 1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums there you can create one thread for your project or make a thread for any single question you have, we'll be happy to help you either way. We'll be seeing each other a lot since that's one of my Chapters.

This is your Regional Chapter: South Dakota Chapter - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums go meet the fellas there.

And before I forget it... Welcome to FTE!.

 

Welcome to the forums friend! Don't worry about long posts, I've made ones that are too long to read . Long posts usually mean a lot of info and info is good. Everything you know about the problem should be described and that helps other members A LOT when they try helping you. Anyways, enjoy your stay here and make sure to post lots of pictures for the hungry picture fiends here!