The key was getting hard to turn, especially at the end of the turn to start my 1990 F150. Then, it finally stopped starting. I replaced the key cylinder and then the relay solenoid but it won't turn over. The battery reads 12.3. I can't jump the relay to start it. With power getting to the dash lights, I turn the key and hear one pop (from the relay I think) and all goes dead. I would really appreciate any advice on where to look next. Thanks.

 

I would start by removing the cables from the battery posts and cleaning the outsides of the battery posts and the inside of the battery cables well. Then make sure they tighten up properly when reinstalling. Always remove the negative cable first and reinstall it last.

Also make sure the cables look to be in decent shape. If that doesn't solve the problem, you will need to clean and inspect the other end of the negative battery cable.

 

I cleaned the battery posts and cable ends. No start. The negative lead to the starter looks a little old. Is that what you mean by "clean and inspect the other end of the negative battery cable"? Thanks for your patience.

 

[QUOTE=Papasantiago The negative lead to the starter looks a little old. Is that what you mean by "clean and inspect the other end of the negative battery cable"? .[/QUOTE]

Yes it is. Do you still have power until you try to start the truck and then all goes dead?

 

Yes, exactly. Or if I try to jump the relay. I see a spark and then power goes off to the dash lights.

 

You have a poor connection or a battery cable that is bad and shorting internally. The problem should be with the cables or connections directly associated with the battery. ie the battery post connections, I know you cleaned them, but the very first time I encountered this problem I thought I had these clean and I was sitting dead in the water for quite a while until my neighbor came and cleaned them properly. So make sure you have shiny metal on both surfaces of both internal cables and battery posts and again make sure they tighten up properly.

So check from the positive battery post to the solenoid and the negative battery post to where that cable connects .Usually it is a dirty connection but it can be a cable that is shorting internally. But honestly I would check the battery post connections for cleanliness again.

Then there is always chance that the battery is shorting internally. If that is the case the battery can explode. I would atleast have decent eye protection if jumping the solenoid.

Stick with it, you will get it working.

 

Thanks for the help! I replaced the battery cables and am able to jump the relay or push to rod in on the steering shaft to start the truck. So, that was part of the problem. It still won't start from the key so my next project looks like a steering wheel pull and actuator replacement. Does that sound right?

 

When you mention 'relay', not sure what you meant.
Had a similar problem where the ignition switch at the bottom of the steering column, about above the brake pedal where the rod from the keyswitch connects, failed. While replacing, the thing fell apart when the clamp was released. New switch installed, all good again.

 

I was referring to the starter relay solenoid mounted near the battery on the frame. I'll check the ignition switch also once I'm in that far. Have a good St. Paddy's Day!

 

Yes it is very common for the actuator to break on these 87 to 91 Ford trucks. I assume you can see the actuator is broken? Replacing it is not a fun job, I did it twice on my 1988 F-150. There are some good write ups on the internet to kind of guide you. Good luck with it.