Starting Issue

[RichardT]

Ok, I changed out my batteries, and now I can start it with the ignition switch. I could jump the solenoid and it starts, so thinking it was bad solenoid,I changed that out, still nothing, I checked the fuses, all seem well, So now im not sure which direction I need to go n . Start with the key switch and go down the line, or what Im open for suggestions, all was fine till I switched batteries, I checked all my connections so im just at this point.

[NoRalPh]

I'd start in the "middle"

Depending on which transmission you have, be sure either the Neutral Safety Switch OR the Clutch Safety Switch isn't stopping the ground path to the solenoid. Start there, determine if the Ign Sw is sending ground and then if it's getting through the Safety Sw.

If it's an Auto, first try moving the shift selector on the "Hi & Low" side of Park, then maybe Neutral....

[RichardT]

THANKS, And yes, I had some issues with the shifter in the past, you have to make sure its in park, So i will start there, Its an Automatic, Ah didn't try neutral though Good point, Will try that first, than I'll have to operate on the steering column. Should i be seeing any kinda of voltage on the solenoid, ? the smaller wire? theres 3 wires that hook to the main studs than one smaller wire that kinda caps onto a stud. should i see some volts on that smaller on if i hit the key? thanks for the info

[NoRalPh]

OK, first thing is, the NSSW is Not in the steering column, it on the transmission itself. On the drivers side, between the cable end and the transmissions selector shaft. It's a black plastic, round "box" and if you look carefully on it it has the word "Neutral" on it with a dot or slash. Close to the selector shaft there's a corresponding dot/slash and you need to align them in NEUTRAL (chock the wheels )

If you remove the two small wires from the solenoid one will have power in it (key ON) and the other will supply Ground (letting power flow through the coil, energizing the relay, and sending power to the starter). So, the wire that Doesn't have 12v in it, should supply ground for the wire that Does, when the key sw is sprung into the Start position (put a test light between them and look from behind the wheel)

[RichardT]

yea, i know but i've had issues with my steering column before, If i don't hit it hard in park it will do the same thing, I will start on the tranny, All was fine with the truck, but I took one battery out to help someone that needed a battery, and i just had the time & $$ to get another optima, and all i did was install the battery and now this, head scratcher