My 1994 U300 won't start. Although it was fine getting to the dump station, when I went to start the engine to leave... almost nothing. The ignition solenoid (under dash) clicks once but doesn't illuminate the dash lights or gauges. I jumped the power terminals but got the same result. I'm pretty darn sure the transmission is in neutral, but the trans pad won't light up. I have a spare solenoid, but because jumping the terminals didn't work, I doubt that a new solenoid will work. I can't even find the starter, and my engine bay starter switch hasn't worked in a long time. I understand there's a starter solenoid near the isolator - but I can only find the auxiliary and boost solenoids.
I'm hoping to get some good advice here, as I have in the past. Thanks, in advance!
Larry Butler
Stranded
949.294.5297
Try flipping on the boost switch and see what it does.
Thanks, Stump - didn't work. There's voltage to the solenoid, and batteries are fully charged.
Larry,
Did you jump from large lug to the other large lug or from large lug to signal terminal?
That ignition solenoid carries a lot of amps. Safest way to "jump" it is to mark all the wires on one large lug and move them (add them to) the other large lug. To "turn it off", you will need to remove the wires and replace them in their original position.
And, absolutely use the boost switch.
And if still no joy, clean and tighten terminals on the batteries.
Them pull out your digital voltmeter and check for 12.2+ VDC at batteries, ignition solenoid, etc.
Brett, I jumped from large lug to large lug. Last time I had issues with this (3 years ago or so) I actually left a jump wire on the lugs that normally remains disconnected. I cleaned and tightened the battery terminals about 3 weeks ago. Is it a clue that setting the ignition switch to the first click (aux, I guess) only clicks the solenoid but doesn't light up the dash? I have 12.7 volts at the large lugs.
Larry,
The far side (side hot when ignition on) supplies those gangs of individual fuses in the front left of the dash board.
So, if 12+ VDC on both sides of the ignition solenoid, but no gauges, check the fuses (less than 2' from the solenoid under the dash).
A bit late for this but I no longer then off the engine at fuel isles of dump stations. After my 40+hours stuck on a fuel isle I am "chicken". My issue was the auxiliary start solenoid.
Roland
X2. After reading your harrowing tale, I adopted the same policy. Besides, it also keeps the dash air going for the DW...
First, pull and clean all your battery terminals and posts. Check voltage at the left (outside) ignition solenoid terminal (the large one) under the flip up dash just sitting and also with the key in the start position. Try first jumping from the hot solenoid terminal to the small solenoid terminal (not the ground). That failing, jump the solenoid big terminal to big terminal. Having a digital voltmeter really helps figure out the problem.
Pierce
Surely you got it started by now what was the problem?