Hello, I trying to help my dad fix his old ford cargo from 1984.

The truck worked fine, was parked, and the next day it just wouldn't start.

Once I turn the key all the way over I hear a click coming from the left side of the frame. Supposedly some switch boxes or something?

What should I check for?

Joe, June 2008

Check the excite wire (the small one) going to the starter solonoid when you crank the key to start, if it has battery volts the starter is sticking, if no voltage follow the wire back to it's sorce and retest.
You can hot wire it by running a feed to the excite wire going to the solonoid from the battery positive terminal. Be ready for a bit of sparking, be careful of sparks near the battery if you recently recharged it.

Ian, July 2008

probably the starter solenoid, starter connections, battery leads or terminals not tight or corroded and also check the condition of the batteries

paul williams, July 2008

I havent figured it out yet.

The starter isnt even trying to turn the engine over, it's like some safety is avoiding it from starting.

We tried to push it with another truck, and it started right away.

My dad thinks it's a airhose that's come off, but we had no luck yet finding that.

I checked all the fuses, they were all good.

The clicks come from the left side of the frame (opposite side of the fuel tank), close to the air compressor tanks. Not too sure about what it is or what it does, because there's only going wires into the thing.

Joe, June 2008

I have exactly the same problem. Just had a full service and safety check by a reputable garage. Parked it at home and 2 days later it wouldn't start...just get the clicking sound. My initial thoughts were that it may be the starter motor? Thing is now it is parked at home I have no way to get it back to the mechanic to fix! Have you had any luck in finding the source of the problem?

ann martin, June 2008