my truck did not start tonight at work.i tried to jump it and nothing.i have acid on the clamps and i poured some soda on it and when i did the door buzzer started buzzing.i tried to start it and nothing.i am planning to buy some clamps or whatever they are called.how do i put them on and which one first.can i cut the wire that is connected now and then use some of the wire that is covered,i know i will have to have wire out.if it is not that then what should i check.i have a new battery and the p.o. said he replaced the starter last year.its a 86 d150 with a 318 thanks
FTA Boy
03-12-2009, 11:49 PM
So it just won't start, or there is no juice at all?
If it just won't start it may be your neutral safety switch. I had problems with mine recently. A good way to test it to touch something in between the two terminals on the starter and the engine will turn over. Careful not to get mangled in it though. These guys suggested I use a screw driver and quarter to bridge the gab between terminals, but I used a test wire to do it, worked like a charm. You know the short wire that has a clamp on both ends? give it a shot!
If you don't have any juice at all.. New alternator/another new battery???
Here's what I have in both my trucks. work very well with winch and aux lights.
dolfans
03-13-2009, 12:54 PM
i bought new battery clamps or whatever they are called but have not put on.i went to advance to get a price and he said the the alternator is not the problem.i will put the clamps on and try it then if nothing i will take the starter off and have it tested.i do have lights working and i tried it today and nothing.the po said he put a starter on and is under warrenty.i am thinking about finding his # and see if i can get another one.how do i change the clamps,i want to cut the wire off where it goes into the clamp and use the part that is covered by the cover
FTA Boy
03-13-2009, 03:09 PM
what do you mean battery clamps, Like the battery cables?
Did you try bridging the terminals?
Is the engine turning over at all?
If your truck still has power and there is no reaction from the starter at all, I suggest checking your Neutral Safety Switch. It's purpose it to make sure your truck only starts in N or P and to make your reverse lights come on. If it's broke or the wires to the plug that connect to the safety switch are frayed or cut, your key won't work.
Bridge the terminals on the starter, dude. just touch a screwdriver or wire on them and see if it starts. But thats only if there is no reaction from the starter when using the key.
dolfans
03-13-2009, 04:04 PM
terminals is what i mean not clamps.i could not think of the word.the first time or two when i tried to start it it clicked and then it did not.i tried it in n and no luck there.no the back up lights dont work.not sure why,i just found that out last week.i cleaned the socket (back up light)on the drivers side with a knife and still did not work.i need to get some bulbs to see if that is it or the switch.where is the switch at and how do i check it.thanks
dolfans
03-13-2009, 04:14 PM
terminals is what i mean not clamps.i could not think of the word.the first time or two when i tried to start it it clicked and then it did not.i tried it in n and no luck there.no the back up lights dont work.not sure why,i just found that out last week.i cleaned the socket (back up light)on the drivers side with a knife and still did not work.i need to get some bulbs to see if that is it or the switch.where is the switch at and how do i check it.thanks
FTA Boy
03-17-2009, 02:03 AM
the switch is on the drivers side coming out of the transmission pan. Sorry man didn't see you wrote. I can take a pic of it tomorrow for you on my truck. Careful when you take it off though because trans fluid will poor out!!! it DEFINITELY sound like its that switch though because it also controls the reverse lights.
This is out of the Haynes Manual, the red circles are for something in another thread, ignore them.
So you will see a plug with 3 wires running to that on your trans pan. As far as checking it, just check the wires. My Haynes manual is out in my chevy so I can't look it up now, but i think all it says to check the NSS is to put it in all the gears and try to start it and if it starts in anything but N or P to replace it. Honestly it is a mystery to me how this thing even works, its just a bolt/plug that goes into the trans pan and has three prongs on it. where it bolts into is just a hole that goes to the fluid.. weird.
Have you tried bridging the terminals on the starter yet? It's important that you do.
