I took my battery and starter and had tested, both passed.. cleaned terminals at battery connection and starter, solenoid, etc.. replaced the clutch position safety switch on my clutch master cylinder.. Tested all switch connectors and are testing good for power.. when i turn the key, i hear one loud click..if i move my shift rod (Manuel transmission) while i turn the key over, the truck would start.. now that trick won't work and i don't have a clue what to check next. Can it be a fender mounted solenoid failing, or a sensor inside the transmission to activate the starter?

 

You can eliminate the starter solenoid as the problem by jumping the 2 terminals. If it is failing that should solve the problem every time because it bypasses it completely.

 

Why would moving my shift rod have anything to do with the truck starting?

 

That's a new one to me - to be honest I don't have a clue. I will let someone else chime in on that one and hopefully learn something myself

I am also assuming based on your first post you have fuel and spark. If not gotta make sure of those first..

 

Thanks for replying and trying to help.. Much appreciated

 

Did you try stomping the clutch pedal down a few times as you hold the key in the start position? What year is your truck?

 

96 4.9L manual transmission

 

I installed a new master and slave cylinder months ago, new neutral switch(mounted on master cylinder push rod inside cab against fire wall) and checked the power on the switch connector.. SOMETHING with my gear selector/shift rod is causing the issue

 

If the linkage on your clutch pedal to the master cylinder(all under the dash) is wore a little too much, it may prevent the clutch safety switch from being pushed down enough.

As suggested above you can test the solenoid by arcing two terminals together. To make sure the whole starting system is working, bridge the two large terminals together. To test the solenoid itself, bridge the terminal with the large cable that comes from the battery to the terminal on top of the solenoid that has the slip on wire.

 

To the best of my knowledge there is nothing inside the transmission to cause your problem. Unless they changed the newer transmissions and I don't think so.