Hi guys,

I guess this is the correct forum. I have a no-start issue occasionally with my 56.

Once in a while (3 or 4 times now) when I turn the key to the start position nothing happens. I can't hear well, but I don't hear anything clicking.

The battery is charged. I run about 14 volts going down the road even with the generator. I have put the charger on it to see twice now to see. It has a digital read out and shows it is fine.

When the no start happens, I set the hand brake, make sure it is in neutral, put the key in the run position, and I jump it across the solenoid with two screwdrivers and she starts fine every time.

The weird thing is it is not any set pattern or just won't start at all. It is very random. You never know.......

I assume it is either the solenoid going out or the ignition switch. Am I way off and how do I check them?

Thanks,
Brian

The next time it doesn't start, try and measure 12V going to the solenoid from the ignition switch. The 12V comes to the solenoid via one of the 2 small wires on the solenoid. If you don't measure 12V, it's probably the ignition switch, or a wiring problem. If you do measure 12V, then the
problem is the solenoid.

Measure it with the key in the running position or the start position?


I have a cheap craftsman digital multimeter in the glove box. I just didn't know what to check.

Brian_B said:

Measure it with the key in the running position or the start position?


I have a cheap craftsman digital multimeter in the glove box. I just didn't know what to check.

Click to expand...

Start position....this will probably 2 people, or connect your meter with alligator clips, and set it where you can watch it while taking the ignition switch to the start position. The negative lead for yout meter goes to ground, and the positive to one of the solenoid small wire terminals....sorry
I don't have a wiring digram to tell you which wire goes to the ignition switch.

Hopefully, the problem will be there long enough for you to do the measurements.

Thank you sir. I will try to check it the next time it happens. Now that I know what to check.

I would almost bet it is the switch. The wiring in the truck is all new.

The ignition switch appears to be original.