99 7.3 NO POWER TO STARTER

[DEEPWOODS]

I went to start my truck after lunch today and no power to starter the batteries are good .I turned the key on and jumped across the solenoid and it started right up.I close the hood and when I got back in the truck the OD light was blinking and the transmission shifted real hard. No problems with the starter or transmission before today .I checked the small wire on the solenoid and no power with the key turned to start any one have any ideas what to check? Please help Thanks Keith

[bjg8599]

if your lucky there is a short in your steering column and not your trans, common problem. take your steering column off and check all harness and connections. mine did this and sometimes my turn light would hang on and a little smoke would rise from the column.