Somewhere between the key and the solenoid

Lick Dicker · Sep 16, 2011

Hey guys, My key stoped starting my truck a few weeks back, when I turn the key I can hear a relay in the fuse box click, but the solenoid will not activate, unless I put a jumper cable to the signal termnal on it. I did a quick check of fuses but didnt find any to be dead. My crusie control also does not work and am begining to suspect it may be the switch that tells the truck when the clutch is in. Is this a common problem? Is there anywhere you can point me to diagnose this further?

Thank yah much!

BigAlsPSD · Sep 16, 2011

Is your shifter sloppy? Will it start in neutral? There are torx screws that are known to work loose looking up from the floorboard where the shifter connects to the cable.

Lick Dicker · Sep 16, 2011

It is a 6 speed, which Is why I was suspecting the clutch switch.

NotStock · Sep 16, 2011

That would be my first guess aswell if there are no blown fuses.

Arisley · Sep 16, 2011

That relay that you here clicking may also be bad.

Lick Dicker · Sep 16, 2011

Is there any way to diagnose things without becoming a parts swapper?

DcMoore · Sep 16, 2011

I would go for the clutch switch... Get under there and see if it is broken ... Usually it will break and turn upside down... I beleive their 70 bucks from Ford.. That would also be why your CC doesn't work anymore.

Lick Dicker · Sep 16, 2011

Well I have an confession to make, I already fondled with it and ended up definatly breaking it, there isnt hardly anything in there, I thought they woulda been $30 or something.

DcMoore · Sep 16, 2011

You might be able to find one online somewhere.

Arisley · Sep 16, 2011

How many wires? Is that clutch switch NO or NC. Just wire around the switch.

Trouble shoot wiring issues with a multi meter.

Lick Dicker · Sep 16, 2011

It looks like someone lost the old switch

However there are 4 wires in the wire harness that goes to it.

Arisley · Sep 16, 2011

That makes it a little more difficult to do without a wiring diagram.

stroker2 · Sep 16, 2011

If you end up wiring around the switch be extra careful when starting it. make sure there arent any willys jeeps in front of you during the process

DcMoore · Sep 17, 2011

stroker2 said:
If you end up wiring around the switch be extra careful when starting it. make sure there arent any willys jeeps in front of you during the process

.... Or Nissan Muranos. I didn't bypass mine but mine started itself in gear.

stroker2 · Sep 17, 2011

DcMoore said:
.... Or Nissan Muranos. I didn't bypass mine but mine started itself in gear.

Well i acually have no experience like this but know SOMEONE who has and just passing on the good advice :lookaround: :thumbsup:

Fly By Night · Oct 4, 2011

Does anyone have any experience with this problem? I imagine its a rather easy fix, just dont know if its fairly common or not.

ColtonP · Oct 5, 2011

Mine did this a while back. Ended up being the starter solenoid on the fender.

ZacPSD60 · Oct 5, 2011

What year is your truck??

TrailerHauler · Oct 5, 2011

Fly By Night said:
Does anyone have any experience with this problem? I imagine its a rather easy fix, just dont know if its fairly common or not.

Are you referring to the clutch switch?

And Andy, I believe its a normally open circuit. Could be wrong though.

Fly By Night · Oct 5, 2011

I have been jumping the solenoid on the starter and it works fine (Positive jumper cable to the signal post), Cledsup did you have another solenoid somewhere?

It is an E-99