mcdad

I replaced a bad ground cable on my f150, now the truck won't start on its own. when i turn the key I hear a click and everything goes dead but if I jump it it starts right away. My wife said she saw a spark the first time I started it with the new ground cable but she can't tell me where. I think it was a small electronic unit mounted next to the battery on the fender but I can't make out what it is. As you can tell I'm not a mechanic. The economy forces me to pretend to be one.

dirtcrew51m

check all connections, including the solenoid, also if it wont start without a jump, clean terminals.

benbailey84

when you replaced the cable did you hook it up to the exact spot it was hooked to? sounds like you may have crossed something. get your battery tested, any parts store should do this for free, along with walmart.

1987 F-150 XLT 4x4

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The "small electronic unit mounted next to the battery on the fender"
is the Starter Solenoid or Starter Relay.

This Solenoid will make a clicking noise;
if the Battery voltage is too low or the Solenoid is bad.

The Solenoid cost about $20.00

It may be your Battery that has a short in it;
the sulfuric acid eats through the lead plates inside the battery and
the battery will not hold a 12V charge as it should,
usually after 3 or 4 years though...

Good luck, let us know what you find.

mcdad

THANK YOU SO MUCH GUYS, IT WAS THE SOLENOID. THE SIX YR OLD BATTERY WASN'T HELPING MUCH. REPLACED BOTH TODAY AND SHE FIRED UP.