I have a brand new solenoid and battery installed on my 1973 Ford Maverick 2 door sedan. I hooked up the cords to the solenoid and excitedly tried to start it up. Nothing. No lights turned on, the solenoid didn't turn over, it was just dead. I believe with my dad that the fusible link was out. I am considering putting in a in line fuse to see if that will start it up. But before I do I want to hear your guys ideas on why its not starting and how I could possible start it up. Just so you know other than the fusible link the other wires are fine. so thats preaty much the only reason why we believe it won't start(in other words the wiring is in great condition). The fuses are fine. Please any help will be greatly appreciated.
Possibly a connection issue. Make sure the battery lead is connected to the same terminal as the accessory leads and the cable going to the starter is on its own post. If all that is good try swapping the two wires that attach to the small terminals. These are easy mistakes that even nip the seasoned enthusiasts.
And seller told you all it needed was a solenoid?? It'll need at least one repair for every year it's been setting. In addition to no start issues, it'll have no brakes. If setting out in weather, increase that by 2/3x... Are you in Rupert WV??
If solenoid is connected correctly & body harness fuse link is open, car will be totally dead. Usually open because someone installed battery cables reversed, or connected jumper cables incorrectly. Following the lead with a test light will show where the open is located. Link should be a rubber coated wire, if it stretches, it's kaput.
It's always hard to diagnose issues by remote control, but here's the progression I'd recommend. If each one fails, go to the next. Always keep it simple. * First, did you clean the battery terminals where they contact the battery post? Just because there isn't the fluffy corrosion doesn't mean that a film hasn't developed which breaks conduction. I learned this the hard way. * Next, the fusible link. Replace it. They aren't expensive. * Third, Check connections where the cables attach, hot at the solenoid, ground at the block. Take them off and clean them. I know you said the solenoid is new but the cable isn't. Don't overtighten the one at the solenoid. They break. And consider that there is always a possibility of the solenoid being defective. I'd throw the original one on and see what happens just to be sure or just test the new one. * Next, replace both battery cables. With a car sitting that many years, they should be replaced anyway. They're probably fairly toasty. * Check anywhere there is supposed to be a chassis ground connection on either side. The entire issue could be here. All too common old car issue. If any ground strap or cable looks toasty, replace it along with cleaning contact points and bolts. If you elect to replace a ground strap with a cable, that'll work also. One would think that at this point, the car should be alive.
Use an ohm meter and test the ground cable. Touch one end to the solenoid end and the other end to to end that is attached to the block. I've saw the cables eaten in two under the insulation.
Thats what mine was. There are two f usable links on the solenoid. One of mine had broken from the connector ring end.
Checked the fusible link found it bad. And guess what's connected to that wire? my key(not really you get the jest). really not looking forward to tearing out that entire wire and replacing it. Thanks for all the help. I'm in Rupert ID The "seller" if you will pulled it in to his shop off the street because my uncle was driving it and had it break down in front of his house. I got it for free after it sat in his place for 13 years and yes the breaks were out of brake fluid.
