My ignition switch was bad and it kept the starter engaged until it burned up. The starter relay/solenoid was smoking as well. So I replaced the Starter Relay/Solenoid, and the Starter itself and it won't crank over. The battery is reading 12.5V and I read 12.5V across the starter relay. I replaced the Voltage Regulator and the battery cables just to be sure. Still won't turn over. Totally dead. I've got some dash lights and the headlights work, but it will still not crank over. Update: For some reason, without changing anything except to push the vehicle back into the garage, now I don't have either Headlights or dash lights. Any ideas to what I can do to further diagnose the problem or a fix to what I'm apparently missing.? All help is greatly appreciated.
I have not. To be honest, I'll have to understand on how to do that, cause I see it on the starter relay, but I haven't gone any farther than that. Is there a buss fuse in line that might be blown?
Yep, but it is a wire (fusible link) designed to open instead of a fuse. It is the 12+ feed for the interior, to include the ignition switch, headlights, etc. It is yellow and is attached to the Battery + side of the starter solenoid. Use this schematic for reference: http://1bad6t.com/Maverick/repair/pdf/73maverickwiring.pdf
Well that should be easy and cheap to replace I would think. Do you think that damaged wire would prevent the whole vehicle from cranking over? If so...what a small thing to wreak so much havoc.
It could. The infamous fusible link has been the headache source for many. If you want to verify that your solenoid and starter are OK, then simply provide 12+ to the Red / Lt Blue terminal on the starter solenoid (remove the original wire first). This will energize the solenoid (and ignition coil) and engage the starter. That is what the ignition switch does. Always use a fused jumper wire when performing those kind of tests.
