I currently am Serving in the Army here at Fort Hood and picked up a project truck that I hoped to get running for my son before I deploy. So here is my only problem that I cant figure out.


its a 73 F100 302 Automatic transmission.


Good Battery, new solenoid, new ignition switch.
I can only start the truck by jumping the solenoid. The starter is strong.
I don't get any lights in the dash and I don't get any headlights either.


any ideas?

 

The cable from the battery positive post connects to one side of the solenoid with the two wires with fusible links in them. Those two wires are generally for the lights and power to the interior fuse panel in the vehicle.
It sounds like the two wires are on the wrong post of the solenoid. If they are in the right place check the fusible links in the wires right next to the terminals by pulling on them . If they feel springy then they could be separated internally and a temporary jumper can be tried to confirm that if you have no means to check them with either a meter or test lite.

 

I found some wiring diagrams for a 1974 that may help you.

1973-1979 Ford Truck Wiring Diagrams & Schematics - FORDification.net