Going down the road shifted into second and it shut off?

Tiny
MILLSMT
  • MEMBER
  • 1975 FORD F-250
  • 5.9L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 75,000 MILES
Truck has sat for about ten years with the random start up and drive every now and then. I jumped it. It ran fine for about ten minutes idling. Got in and started going down the road shifted into second and it died. No power from the key to anything. Hooked up cables to see if it was a drained battery/alternator and it sparks like it’s hooked up backwards.
Sunday, November 6th, 2022 AT 10:51 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Yep, it sounds like the battery has shorted out, I would remove the battery and install a new one.

This guide can help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-battery

Please go over this guide and report back.
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Monday, November 7th, 2022 AT 10:04 AM
Tiny
MILLSMT
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I replaced the battery. No change. I went through all the grounds and found they all had continuity. If you jump the starter solenoid it cranks over but doesn’t fire. I replaced the ignition control module and ignition switch with the same results. I’m eventually going to replace the wiring harness but think it might be sooner rather than later.
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Friday, November 25th, 2022 AT 2:31 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 48,363 POSTS
Did the sparking stop occurring? It sounds like the ignition module is out, does the system have spark? This video can help you test it:

https://youtu.be/baq_aEWNQ0Y

Please go over this guide and report back.
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Saturday, November 26th, 2022 AT 11:31 AM
Tiny
MILLSMT
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
It has spark. I ran a new wire from the battery to the ignition and everything but the headlights and tail lights work.
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Sunday, December 4th, 2022 AT 10:44 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
I would check the fusible links at the starter solenoid. Pull on the link to see if they are broken. Let me know.
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Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 AT 11:23 AM

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