Starter solenoid/relay location 2003

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1955moose

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Unless the parts store sells you a black cable cause he's out of the red licorice!

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1955moose

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I know just funnin! You'd be surprised how many cars I've worked on that had the cable colors reversed. Imagine the fun when an inexperienced person tries to jump start that vehicle at night.

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Big Brian

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My first wrenching job was at Kmart when I was a kid we used to put a battery in a shopping cart and jump start people in the parking lot when they had a dead battery

One time the guy I worked with jumped someone at night and was not paying attention

He reversed the terminals and the battery exploded in his face

He was permanently scarred

I will never forget it

That's one reason I take this kind of thing seriously I have witnessed what can happen
 

1955moose

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My first job was at Arco gas. Worked Friday, Saturday night swing shift. We had a moving dolly with battery bungie corded down. On rainy nights I remember walking 2-3 blocks to jump start cars. I was taught early on positive from negative. I filled batteries in those days, they were shipped dry like motorcycle batteries. Mean stuff electrolyte acid. Early on learned safety glasses too!

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johnboneske

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So far... havent been able to do much since it is outside and cant get it in my garage since camper is in driveway (still raining). The positive terminal is disconnected. First: I removed the cable that goes under my battery tray(which I assume goes to the Solenoid) from the "bundle" on the positive battery terminal. Re attached the battery terminal and still tries to start. I reattached it after it didnt work. Second: I had my wife sit in my truck, turn the key to the run position, and I connected the terminal to the positive, and it turns over and starts. Remove the positive terminal and it runs obviously since the alternator provides power. But, I can hear the starter is still engaged to the flywheel. I am assuming the starter is bad or the solenoid on it, which I should just do the starter then...

I understand what you are saying taking off the positive vs negative cable and agree, rest assured I am a Master Electrician by trade... I know accidents happen but am VERY careful! I have worked with 4160 Volys before @ 300 amps... I understand! I do know Volts vs amps and AC vs DC and all that is entailed. Thank you though for your concern, it means alot to be "thought about" and knowing you dont want me hurt!

Any other help/thought would be appreciated!
 

1955moose

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Test the lead from ignition switch to starter solenoid. Should only have 12 volts when you turn the key to the crank position. If you have 12 volts without touching key, you've got a stuck key tumbler, or shorted ignition switch. Try lightly whacking your starter relay, both under battery, and on top of starter, you have 2 one may be stuck open. You'll have to jack passenger side to gain access to lower one.

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johnboneske

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Of course, I have to ask.. would the ignition switch contacted to turn over without me touching anything? I can understand it would, if I turned the key and it could get stuck in the on/start position. But, everything else with the key switch works properly, so I would assume its the solenoid under the battery or the starter itself. If I disconnect the solenoid under the battery and it still tries to start itself( since the positive terminal wire goes directly to the starter) wouldnt it point the the starter itself? Why would Ford put two solenoids on it? Isnt that redundant?

On my positive battery terminal there are 3 thick wires. Id say one is 2 gauge and the other two are 4 gauge. I assume the 2 gauge goes directly to the starter... One that is 4 goes under/towards the battery and the other to the top side of the engine, assuming alternator. As I said, its raining...hard to work in the rain...
 

1955moose

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I always wondered why 2 solenoids myself. It's not as if these motors are super high compression or horsepower. Maybe one of the others could elaborate why, I'm curious myself. I'm guessing one of the solenoids is stuck open, that's why the light smack, rubber mallet would be best. One of the plungers might be stuck!

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