f150 help please...maybe starter

[mrmoskillz]

I have a 1999 f150 v8 4.6.  Today I changed the plugs and wires.  I took apart the starter solenoid and wired it back up wrong started the truck ran ok then when I turned it off and tried to start again all I got was a click.  A single click not rapid clicks like when the battery is dead.  I changed the solenoid and relay and all I get is a click.  I'm guessing I fried the starter but not a car guy and have no idea if that's it or if I broke something else.  If anyone is in the know please let me know.

[FC]

Did you check for a loose connection? I would try jumping the solenoid (bypassing) and see if it cranks.

[mrmoskillz]

All new and tight connections. New alternator too.  I tried jumping the solenoid to no avail.

[FC]

If battery voltage is good, cables are good, connections are tight and motor isn't seized, you need a starter!

If the truck started after you did all the work than you didn't wire it wrong, I would check all of your connections again though.

[mrmoskillz]

How can I tell if I seized the motor?

[FC]

Grab the balancer from underneath the truck and turn it by hand! Is there some reason you would think you seized it? Unless you put a foreign object in the motor while working on it I am sure it is fine.

[scout/sniper]

If the cab and dash lights go dim when you turn the key....bad starter.
Otherwise the bendix could be jammed between the teeth on the flywheel,
Turning the engine over by hand should correct it.

Have you checked if the battery voltage is going in and out of the solenoid?
New doesn't necessarily mean it's good.

[mrmoskillz]

I don't know a thing about cars.  I am not sure if I seized it or what would cause that.  After I finished the plugs I turned it on started it, it made some weird noises so I turned it off and restarted it.   The noises went away.  I let it warm up a few minutes then took it for a ride.  When I got home I turned it off and tried to start it but all I get is a click.  I can also hear and feel the little black relays under the dash click.  The main click I hear sounds like it is coming from the solenoid under the hood but I replaced it and that's not it. 

[scout/sniper]

You need to determine where the voltage stops. If the starter is getting power when you turn the key, bad starter.

If not, you will know what component is not sending the voltage on and it will be the problem.

[mrmoskillz]

When I turn the key the warning lights on dash and overhead light go off when I let the key go they go back on.  I don't have a way to test voltage.

[scout/sniper]

Sounds like the starter is bad and grounding out.
I was getting ready to grab my test equipment and head your way.
Wife reminded me I can't today, sorry.

I think it is the starter.

[DRobnsn]

I don't know a thing about cars.  I am not sure if I seized it or what would cause that.  After I finished the plugs I turned it on started it, it made some weird noises so I turned it off and restarted it.   The noises went away.  I let it warm up a few minutes then took it for a ride.  When I got home I turned it off and tried to start it but all I get is a click.  I can also hear and feel the little black relays under the dash click.  The main click I hear sounds like it is coming from the solenoid under the hood but I replaced it and that's not it. 

HOLD THE PHONE..... changed the plugs and weird noises? Did you change plugs and starter parts or just plugs then the problem arrived.

[FC]

it made some weird noises so I turned it off and restarted it.   The noises went away.

What kind of noises?

[scout/sniper]

Are you thinking too long of plugs and ran into the pistons? 

[Buckmark]

When I turn the key the warning lights on dash and overhead light go off when I let the key go they go back on.  I don't have a way to test voltage.

test light...you can make one if you dont own one....super easy. 12v lamp, 2 pieces of elec wire and some elec tape.
Click sounds like bad starter/solenoid on starter.
Whack it with a hammer (the starter)