Won't start 88 F250 5spd 460
 

My truck won't start with the key... Going down the road the other day stopped at a light truck cut off, will not start with key, replaced solenoid still won't start with key, will start with screw driver jumping the solenoid???? Maybe the neutral safety switch but can't find it???

My 88 F250 did the same thing a few years back. Never could figure out what was the issue but I think it was in the ignition or neutral safety switch(s). I went to NAPA and bought a remote starter button that I mounted on the dash near the column (to take the place of the screwdriver). Turn the key, push the button and it has started every time since.

You should have two solinoids. One on the fender, one on the starter

Well I've been having starting problems for a while, I've replaced the starter, solenoid 3 times, new bat cables and the battery is ok, generally it fires up no problem when cold, as it heats up it begins to drag, which heats up the solenoid and
melts it...
If there is a second solenoid it's internal, but I've never heard of that...
So other suggestions please.. I'd really like to find the problem before I have to resort to the remote starter button... But if I have to I will.

on my 92 5spd, the nuetral safety switch was down by the pedals and it was on a horizontal shaft that seemed to go thru the firewall. i had the same exact problem as you. i took the plug out of the nuetral safety switch, and then took a paper clip and went across all the metal contacts until the truck started with the key. i jumped the switch. sounds kind of weird but if you find the safety switch and look at the plug, youll see what im saying. i think the switch was near the brake pedal, rather than near the clutch pedal.