Help!

[Burn_it_Down]

Alright, I've ran into a bit of trouble with my 87 2wd 4.0, the past few weeks its been a little rough firing up, but I just figured it was because it was getting cold and I haven't worried about it because after a couple seconds it would crank. Now the truck won't start at all. I hear the fuel pump running, and the gauges work, but the starter won't engage at all. I got it to start by moving the shifter around(auto trans) because I've had problems with the NSS before and it's worked by shifting between park and neutral.... Which led me to believe it was the neutral safety switch... So, after bypassing the neutral safety switch altogether by connecting the wires together, it still won't start. If I connect the terminals together on the starter It engages as well. I'm a little lost and any help would be appreciated? Maybe the starter relay?

[maddzz1]

CPS? Try unplugging the CPS connector and plugging it back in. Usually works for me. There is also a way to test the CPS

[88mjgilley]

wouldnt be the cps that has nothing to do with the starter

[comanchedude]

Could be the ignition switch on the column .. Or the relay under the hood..jump from the battery post on the relay to the sol term on the relay. If it works then prolly the ignition switch.

[istaywikkid]

might sound stupid but i used a hammer and tapped lightly on the starter and its works sometimes.

[gogmorgo]

might sound stupid but i used a hammer and tapped lightly on the starter and its works sometimes.

Starter needs rebuilt. I want to say your brushes are bad, but I don't remember exactly which part(s) this "fixes".

[Burn_it_Down]

Yeah, went ahead and took the whole starter off and it did have some bad brushes, so I went ahead and replaced it along with the starter relay. Starts and runs like a champ again. Thanks

[gogmorgo]

Heheh, I was replying to istaywikkid. Good to know I solved your problem, though!

[Burn_it_Down]

No worries, everything's good. Starters can be tricky, especially on a 26 year old truck

[istaywikkid]

Starter needs rebuilt. I want to say your brushes are bad, but I don't remember exactly which part(s) this "fixes".

 well back when i first bought my mj i had to do that but now i don't. and its the same starter lol i have no idea

[JFAComanche6]

might sound stupid but i used a hammer and tapped lightly on the starter and its works sometimes.

My friend had an 85 F150, and he had to beat the battery in it with a Maglite just so it would start. sometimes these old trucks need a little persuation...

[hillbilly51@aol.com]

might sound stupid but i used a hammer and tapped lightly on the starter and its works sometimes.

Worked for me on my 88 Model Comanche Chief 4.0.   About a month ago, I pulled it out of my shop and then went back in to close the doors, etc.   When I came back out, it wouldn't  turn over.    Had Fuel pump noise......starter solenoid click.......dash lights OK.

I took a sledge hammer and used the end of the handle to bump the starter and it worked like a charm.

Must be the brushes....but it ain't broke yet, so I haven't fixed it yet.

steve