The Ford Barn

nkaminar · 02-04-2026, 05:44 AM

FFog, Run a parallel ground from the battery directly to the engine. A bolt on the transmission is a handy place to run the second ground. When you connect the ground cable, scrap off any paint or rust under the bolt.

All the terminals at the battery should be shinny bright. The auto parts stores sell a tool for this but I just use my pocket knife.

I have bought new 6 volt batteries that were bad off the shelf. The 6 volt batteries do not get turned over as much as the 12 volt batteries, so they can be too old when you buy them.

If you do not have lights and horn then it is not likely a bad starter or starter switch. But check to see if you have a fuse at the starter switch. They can have bad connections where it holds onto the fuse.

Your multimeter, set to the voltage setting, is your friend. Use the standard testing techniques to check all the connections from one end of the electrical chain to the other, including grounds.

02-04-2026, 05:44 AM	#5
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 6,849	Re: New Battery, No Power/Lights/Starter FFog, Run a parallel ground from the battery directly to the engine. A bolt on the transmission is a handy place to run the second ground. When you connect the ground cable, scrap off any paint or rust under the bolt. All the terminals at the battery should be shinny bright. The auto parts stores sell a tool for this but I just use my pocket knife. I have bought new 6 volt batteries that were bad off the shelf. The 6 volt batteries do not get turned over as much as the 12 volt batteries, so they can be too old when you buy them. If you do not have lights and horn then it is not likely a bad starter or starter switch. But check to see if you have a fuse at the starter switch. They can have bad connections where it holds onto the fuse. Your multimeter, set to the voltage setting, is your friend. Use the standard testing techniques to check all the connections from one end of the electrical chain to the other, including grounds. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past. Last edited by nkaminar; 02-04-2026 at 05:54 AM.