88 F-150 Electrial problem ---everything dies

[Celicagts64]

Hello all,

When i turn the key to start my 88 F-150 i get power to my dash and everything is normal. Until i try to start, when i turn the key to the start position everything goes dead like it should to start the engine, but the engine does not crank over and when i return it to the run position i get no dash lights... no nothing not even a flicker or a dim light... i can let it sit for about a day and try it again.. And the same thing happens. Could there be a short inside the battery?. i know its kind of rare. I have replaced the solenoid last week.

Just wondering if anyone out there had the same problem as i do and how to fix it. Thank a lot for any help

[rockwood84]

go get the battery load tested ......

[mechhound]

I would start by cleaning the battery cables and terminals shiny clean and tighten them properly. Also check the ground connections for cleanliness and tightness. I think you have a ground connection on one of the starter MOUNTING bolts. Also check the condition of the cables. Are you sure your battery is in good condition and well charged? Do your lights come on bright before you try to start it? It's possible your battery has an internal short, I would at the least wear some decent eye protection when working near it, it could explode throwing acid everywhere.

[dfordski]

Originally Posted by mechhound

I would start by cleaning the battery cables and terminals shiny clean and tighten them properly. Also check the ground connections for cleanliness and tightness. I think you have a ground connection on one of the starter MOUNTING bolts. Also check the condition of the cables. Are you sure your battery is in good condition and well charged? Do your lights come on bright before you try to start it? It's possible your battery has an internal short, I would at the least wear some decent eye protection when working near it, it could explode throwing acid everywhere.

My money is on the terminal to post connections.

[Celicagts64]

Thanks a lot for all your help... last night I went and messed around with the terminal to the battery and found out that’s the problem... its tight and everything just gave it a half turn on the bolt and bam... back on.. im gonna clean both ends and every thing should be back to normal.

Bad connection....

Thanks again.