Solenoid/Starting Issues

[jonnywong]

almost 100% of the time now I have to pop the hood and bridge the solenoid on the passenger side with a screwdriver to start my truck. This really sucks and I was wondering if anyone else has this issue or any ideas about it. My mechanic says it could be the starter that needs to be cleaned or something? Doesn't really make sense to me. Any comments or suggestions are welcome.

[cpayne6335]

The key does not work, but jumping the relay makes it start OK? Then i would say that you need to test the wire that goes to the relay. I would use a multi meter and see if you get a voltage when you turn the key to the start position, if you do not get a voltage, then the wire is broken, or the Ignition Switch might be going bad or out of adjustment. I had one go bad in a differt ford truck. I have also noticed if the key cylinder has a lot of play in it, that could be a cause, but that was in a differnt truck (L9000, it was draining the batterys). The ignition switch is on top of the steering coulum under the dash. it might be hard to get to. I have not looked in my truck yet.

You can see the part on Autozone's website. It is under the ignition (tune up) area.

hope this helps, hope it is not the starter!!!!!!!

[jesilvas]

Mine did that before. NOTHING from the ignition but I could start it by bridging the ignition solenoid or whatever that one is called. Check your neutral safety switch. Hit a stupid little traffic cone and it just jarred the switch. Unplugged it and plugged it back it. It worked.

[cpayne6335]

true, never thought of that, anther good place to look.

[jonnywong]

Originally Posted by jesilvas

Mine did that before. NOTHING from the ignition but I could start it by bridging the ignition solenoid or whatever that one is called. Check your neutral safety switch. Hit a stupid little traffic cone and it just jarred the switch. Unplugged it and plugged it back it. It worked.

yeah i saw your post about this when i searched, ill give it a shot and hope this is my issue - seems like an easy fix. Otherwise ill break out the multimeter...thanks.

[cpayne6335]

I am not a tech, so I am not sure what voltage you should see, but I am going to guess around 12 volts.

you might want to check the nutral switch if you have the MM out if everything else checks fine.

Good luck, let us know what it is.