need some advice I have a2001 f150xlt and i'm now having problems with my truck not starting on these very cold northern il. days . the battery is fine along with the starter, i replaced the solinoid last year and it had been working fine and now it wont start when it is really cold, when i keep it in the garage i have no problem but at the end of the day at work nothing just a click. is it condensation and would wraping the solinoid with aluminum tape help. thanks

 

No it's probably a cheap solenoid. The orginal solenoid is all brass inside. There are usually two levels of solenoid when you go to the parts store. There is the one that they keep in stock for around $9, and it's all aluminum inside. Aluminum corrodes quickly, and it's not surprising to see them fail after a year. They usually have a better one available for about $25, and it has brass contactors in it, which will last a long time.

If you want to test the solenoid, just wait till it's not starting very well. Bypass the solenoid with a jumper cable and see how well it starts. You can also test the ignition switch in the car by bypssing that with the solenoid as well. Take an insulated handle screwdriver, and bridge the terminal where the battery hooks up to the small pin on top. If it cranks well, that means it's something in the wiring or ignition switch, not the solenoid starter or battery.

Kurt