Help With Starting a 1990 302 - Ford Forums

garrismarc · 03-31-2008, 19:10

1990 Ford F-150 4x4 - I turn the key and the electrical shorts out...seems to reset. I have changed out the starter and starter relay. I have also changed out the ignition switch months ago. At my wits end.. Can you offer any suggestions??

See later post for updated information

jake_ak_cent · 09-03-2008, 19:00

try hitting up the shifter. my truck had a similar issue, and i replaced the battery and battery cables. then i found out that it wasnt fully in park and was shorting out the system.

also check the alternator. the old owner of my truck told me it had a new alternator, but it didnt. i jumped the car to get it going, and watched the voltage meter. it was going down, so i knew the alternator wasnt recharging the battery. i replaced it and it works great now.

garrismarc · 10-09-2008, 19:35

Changed out all wiring and ignition components...Fixed the problem. I believe it was the Positive Lead to the Ignition Switch.

Drove it for a while and now it won't start again.
Changed out the Fuel Pump etc..... Went through the checklist and everything seems fine. Tries to start up but its like there is no spark or else there is no fuel. Both areas seem fine, so no ideas.

ymeski56 · 10-27-2008, 20:44

Put your fingers on the sides of the ECC relay & the Fuel filter relay(drvr sd.fenderwell mounted next to each other) while someone turns the key to the ON position. You should hear & feel each of them pull in if they activate. The best quality connection from the POS to a componant is only as good as the return path connection to Ground. The intrmitent behavior implies a poor connection quality either from POS or to Ground. Can shorten the life of relay contacts.