Will only start by jumping start solenoid on fender wall

REYES3060

MEMBER
2000 FORD EXCURSION
5.4L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
217,000 MILES

I bought this SUV used and let it sit for a while on my driveway. One day I went to start it, and when I turn the key to start it, all the lights on the dashboard come on, but not noise is heard, and the vehicle will not start. I tried moving the gear lever to neutral and start it, and nothing happen.
The only way I can start it is by using a screw driver to jump the solenoid on the passenger side front firewall.
How can you tell if it is the transmission switch on the ignition switch that is bad? Or maybe something else?

1 Reply

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Remove the cover from the steering column and test the back of the switch with a test light, first locate the constant power, it will be a heavy wire and probe each wire on the back of the switch as you turn to crank, one will be ignition and one will be ACC, the crank signal will only power up with the key on crank, start here.