What should I check if my truck doesn't do anything when I turn the key?

Asked by GuruNS9QF Sep 22, 2020 at 10:14 PM about the 1988 Ford F-150

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

When I turn on switch I don't get anything. My
battery is good, fuel pump comes on but no start. I
changed coil what else should I check. I can jump
across ignition coil with key on and starter will kick
on but not by turning key.

2 Answers

160

Are you sure your ignition is good? The part you slide the key into, if it has failed it would do exactly what your describing. Honestly there are a few things it could be on that vehicle I believe the starter solenoid relay would be a good place to start. It is mounted on passenger side fender under the hood and you can test it by putting the key in the on position and using a big flat head screwdriver touch and hold the screwdriver to both terminals on the starter relay the truck will turn over but continue to hold it there until it starts and If it starts then you know it's your starter relay that has failed. It is common old fords. Make sure you test parts instead of just changing them so that you know your correcting the problem with the vehicle

1 people found this helpful.
35,675

Starter relay as mentioned above. To test it, check for 12.4dc volts on the small terminal of the relay located on firewall while someone starts it. If voltage is present on the small terminal, assuming battery is good and battery cables clean and tight, replace relay. Since you already tested the starter by jumpering it. If no voltage is present on small terminal as you try to start it, trace back to ignition switch or fuse

Your Answer:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1988 Ford F-150

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    OJ
    Reputation
    42,960
  • #2
    Rowefast
    Reputation
    16,110
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    16,080
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used GMC Sierra 1500
2,665 Great Deals out of 65,937 listings starting at $2,500
Used Ford F-250
157 listings starting at $10,900
Used Ford Mustang
1,110 Great Deals out of 25,311 listings starting at $1,100
Used Ford Ranger
723 Great Deals out of 16,260 listings starting at $850
Used Chevrolet Corvette
739 Great Deals out of 10,439 listings starting at $4,995
Used Ford Bronco
464 Great Deals out of 26,477 listings starting at $19,995

Used Cars for Sale

2025 Ford F-150 For Sale
50 Great Deals out of 81,019 listings starting at $28,445
2024 Ford F-150 For Sale
654 Great Deals out of 15,033 listings starting at $25,032
2023 Ford F-150 For Sale
1,071 Great Deals out of 11,191 listings starting at $18,900
2022 Ford F-150 For Sale
872 Great Deals out of 8,850 listings starting at $10,500
2021 Ford F-150 For Sale
582 Great Deals out of 6,212 listings starting at $11,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.