Remote starter relay

1) vehicle model. Scout terra
2) production date/or year model. July 1978
3) two wheel drive or four wheel drive. 4x4
4) type of transmission (and transfer case if applicable). T-19 close. Dana 20
5) if 4x4, which axles front and rear. Dana 44 x2 3.73
6) which engine variation. 345 presumed original
7) which ignition system variation. Prestolite
8) which fuel system variation. 2bb swapped for 4bb thermoquad
9) which brake system variation. Oem
10) non-oem modifications present which May impact a response. Relocated coil to fire wall

howdy all,

added what is commonly called the "Ford solenoid" starter relay to my terra. I wasn't experiencing any problems with my starting system, but I needed a place to connect my fog lights and stereo amp, plus the battery cable needed to be replaced.

I installed the relay using directions taken from an article on the bb. Day one using the relay was a monumental occasion, not only because the relay worked as it should, but also, this was the 1st day the terra has been on the road in nearly a year. The terra performed flawlessly! Engine temps were normal even though it was 104 out and I had 9 bales of straw in back. I started the engine numerous times through out the day with no issues.
The next morning, she wouldn't start. Turn the key to the start position, and nothing. Clipped my remote start button to the battery and the relay switch terminal, pressed the button; she fires right up. So the relay is ok.

Did the remote relay overload my ignition switch and burn something out or is it just coincidence I have a failure?
 
Scout sat for a couple weeks, forgot about the no start issue, turned the key and she fired up every time on Saturday. Sunday & today? No start from the key.
 
Check your battery cables; particularly the ground -- corrosion, loose connection, continuity...

Also, a very slim chance that the brushes in your starter "wore out" at the smae time you put the solenoid in.
 
Robert, that's a good idea on the battery ground. Since the Scout sits most of the time, I take the battery out. When I install it to test something or run the engine, I never tighten the cables. I'll bet I never tightened the ground connector to the battery. I'll check it out later this week.
 
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