Ok, this morning I did 2 short hops and the 89 f-150 started fine. Then on the 3 time it wouldn't start. The VOM showed 9vdc so I tried to jump it it wouldn't jump so I replaced the battery. Now that I have 12vdc from the battery and the solenoid. It still won't start I tested the starter and found it had 12vdc. So I replaced the starter. I noticed that the Ammeter on the dash is reading just above the discharge line.
What should I be looking for? A tow truck?

 

Does the solenoid on the fender wall click?

 

As of right now no. I'm not getting any thing but the cab and headlights work

 

Get a big screwdriver, turn the truck on, touch the two big poles together on the solenoid, see if it starts.

 

It did not. Does that mean that it's the solenoid? It sparked once but not very brightly

 

NO if it would have turned over that would have meant it was the solenoid. Since it did not do that the solenoid is probably good.

Make sure none of the wires have come off the solenoid. I believe there are three others hooked to the same side as the wire running to the starter on your year of truck.

Battery dead?

 

All wires are connected to the solenoid (at least the ones that I think should be connected) primary lead, starter cable, ignition lead and about 5 little wires that I never tried to find where they go

 

And the battery is new. I replaced it first

 

Truck a stick or auto? hmmmm something isn't right. How old is the cable running from the battery to the solenoid? The weak spark, at the solenoid, is telling me not enough juice is getting through. I think another member had this problem before also.

 

I usually try to read the posts b4 I jump in here but I couldn't find any thing to help. But the cable is original ( same as most of my cables)
Does the ammeter on the dash sinking to nothing have any effect? I guess what I'm asking is what does that meter really show?