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Hi. Just learned how to test a relay from Eric the Car Guy-saved me 25 bucks, Eric, thank you!
Tried to start my old truck, heard a click, then nothing. Rodents had been at the wires, which looked like just headlamp wires severed and insulation chewed off others. I repaired everything I could see.
Now, turning the key I get nothing, except the clock lcd dims partially or completely. Normally, I can hear the fuel pump just prior to ignition, so I pulled that relay off the fuse panel, thinking to replace it. But, per Eric’s video, it tests fine for continuity. Didn’t see any bad fuses.
Where else to start looking? I thought I had all the wires; the battery is strong from my other vehicle.
Turning the key dims the clock and zip-else.
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First, I’d go back and check to see if the little bastards ate any other wires. Check everything, and be as thorough as possible.
Also take a look at the fusible links. it could be that they popped when you tried to start the car the first time. Big enough short, a fusible link goes out, and then you’ll get squat for every turn of the key.
Give that a look-see and see what comes up.
-Hinoki
keep looking for chewed wires. Do you have a service manual?
here is a link that may help you with wiring.Check the battery cable connections to if they are clean and tight. Remove them and clean. Make sure the battery is fully charged. Maybe try to boost the battery.
Thanks, everybody, for kicking in,
I do have a service manual, just not sure where to start looking, when nothing at all beyond the clock-dimming is happening.
I will check the fusible link. Would the clock light at all if it was severed?
I don’t leave a battery in the truck, just swap one in when I need to use it, so I’m sure the battery is good and the connections are tight.
Also plan to check more relays, like the main relay, now that I know how (thanks again, Eric), and will report back with results.
Rodents can be a nightmare when they get into the wiring. There really is no way to know the extent of the damage until you get in there and expose the areas where they have eaten. I spoke to an engineer once who said that they were working on rodent repellant wire insulation to prevent this issue. Since we don’t have that yet and it’s obviously not on your vehicle, we have to employ some old fashion methods of repair. Voltage drops will be your friend here. In the case of your no start you might want to check the wiring at the ignition switch and also at the starter solenoid. This article may prove useful for you.
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-electrical-problems
Keep us posted and good luck.
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