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Possible electrical issue?

Tiny
ETHAN RAPACK
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 FORD F-150
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 250,000 MILES
The truck will not start. Not long ago the caution lights would not work but we got home, and they were randomly on, so guess they work when they wanted, same as starting. It would sometimes start when it wanted but more recently not in past hundred attempts. Battery was checked and fine, also disconnected positive and did voltage test so no short.
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Wednesday, August 10th, 2022 AT 1:52 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,200 POSTS
Hi,

Does any electrical component work? For example, does the horn work? Do the headlamps work or do the brake lights?

Let me know that. Also, I need to confirm if the starter motor is engaging or not. If it does but the engine refuses to start, take a look through this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-not-running-advanced

Here is a link of interest if the starter doesn't engage:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Let me know the specifics so I know the best way to direct you.

Take care and hang in there. We will get it fixed.

Joe
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Wednesday, August 10th, 2022 AT 3:06 PM
Tiny
ETHAN RAPACK
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Nothing seems to work. No hazard lights, blinkers, horn, etc. Not turning over at all but like I said battery seems to have power and no shorts. Tried to pull a few fuses and test them with light up but nothing.
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Wednesday, August 10th, 2022 AT 3:56 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,200 POSTS
Hi,

If nothing works and you have no power to the fuses in the under-hood fuse box, I suspect we have a faulty fusible link.

I attached a pic below showing power from the battery, through a fusible link, and then to the fuse box. I suspect that is where the problem is.

I tried to find a pic of the fusible links, but nothing is in my manual. The fusible links are located in the Power distribution box, on the lefthand fender apron.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Wednesday, August 10th, 2022 AT 10:05 PM
Tiny
ETHAN RAPACK
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I wiggled wires and tested fuses and power cord to box and nothing. No blown fuses though or exposed wires and box and all looks okay.
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Thursday, August 11th, 2022 AT 7:58 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,200 POSTS
Hi,

If you follow the positive wire from the battery, does one go to the fusible links? I noticed the test light flashed for a second in the first video. What did you touch for that to happen?

Also, here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Keep in mind, a fusible link can appear as a traditional wire. It is designed to fail internally like a fuse.

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, August 11th, 2022 AT 1:41 PM
Tiny
ETHAN RAPACK
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Checked fuse box again and it lit up, truck started and drove. Weird as it hasn’t turned over in the past hundred attempts and nothing has worked. No lights, cautions or anything before. Guess it works when it wants. This video shows a short test, and it does not light up showing no short, I think. I don’t understand.
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Thursday, August 11th, 2022 AT 2:17 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,200 POSTS
Hi,

I can't see the test light and where you are testing between. I saw a battery terminal and the battery. If you have the positive battery terminal disconnected and are running the test light between the positive terminal and battery positive, it won't light unless the circuit is complete at the other end.

Joe
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Thursday, August 11th, 2022 AT 3:11 PM
Tiny
ETHAN RAPACK
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
There are many videos that indicate this is how to test for a short. Disconnect the positive or negative put clip on removed cable and touch terminal that was removed and if it lights up it means a short. I have done the test and does not light up so assuming no short. If you know another way to test for a short with a 12 volt light up tool or any idea why nothing on truck would work but the suddenly everything works please let me know?
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Friday, August 12th, 2022 AT 10:09 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,904 POSTS
You don't have a short you have an open connection, I have seen the positive battery cable cause these kinds of issues, I see the cable condition, I would cut the end off and install a new terminal (auto parts stores have them), also clean the terminals to see what happens.
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Friday, August 12th, 2022 AT 11:57 AM

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