96' f150 having electical problems.
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redneckRICKE
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 29
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96' f150 having electical problems.
I have a 1996 F150 with the 302 and lately is been having some issues with the starting and charging system. Back in August I had to put a new engine in my truck. After I got everything put back to gether i noticed it wasn't charging like it should. I put a used altenater in it and it charged fine for a couple of days (while it was doing this it was always hard starting). And i also noticed that when I'd be driving my truck that my altenater would all of a sudden start charging then it'd quit in an instant. When my altenater isn't charging my engine temp guage is redlining and when its charging my engine temp is normal. Just a few days ago i tried to start my truck and all it did was click so i replaced the solinoid and it did the same thing, so now im starting my truck by crossing the two poles on the solinoid.
I'm sorry i wrote a book, but i wanted you to have all the details.
Thanks for your time.
I'm sorry i wrote a book, but i wanted you to have all the details.
Thanks for your time.
Dodge+Ford = always ready
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,376
Likes: 112
From: Montana
from my understanding, if you have to cross the poles on the solenoid, the solenoid is bad (possible you got a bad 1 from the parts store) all the other problems really just sound like ground issues to me. check the grounds on the engine block and the frame. also its possible your alternator is bad if you got it used.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 556
Likes: 25
sounds as if the voltage reg is on the way out. Put a voltmeter on the battery when the engine is running. 13.8-14.8 is good. Anything higher or lower and you have issues. If you have the ability to get it to an auto parts store they will prob check it for free, if the alt is bad get a lifetime warranty remanned if you plan on keeping the truck for a long time.
Make sure every connection you can find in the engine compartment is as clean as possible.
if you can turn it over by jumping the solenoid there is nothing wrong with the solenoid...maybe your column ignition switch is bad or maybe your ignition actuator rod is broken and isn't engaging the column switch all the way or not all the time...(That isn't a fun fix)
It can be lots of things...check battery voltage 1st,then connections, then down the line...
Make sure every connection you can find in the engine compartment is as clean as possible.
if you can turn it over by jumping the solenoid there is nothing wrong with the solenoid...maybe your column ignition switch is bad or maybe your ignition actuator rod is broken and isn't engaging the column switch all the way or not all the time...(That isn't a fun fix)
It can be lots of things...check battery voltage 1st,then connections, then down the line...
