Car Alarm

By mous on 8/30/08 6:26pm
1 Comment

I have a ‘99 F250 SD, 4×4, Triton V10 with a Viper Car Alarm, model #550HF. The starter won’t turn and I get no clicks from the solenoid. I have reset the Car Alarm using the valet button, and have found that there are 12 volts at the solenoid when I turn the ignition to crank. And, when I short across the solenoid I get clicks.I understand that the alarm has a starter inhibitor, but figure that with juice going to the solenoid it should crank. Shoudl I replace the solenoid? The truck is under warranty (but not the alarm), but I would need to tow it and I want to be sure that the alarm is not the problem. Can anyone help me?

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Your checks thus far would

Submitted by Veelix on 8/19/08 2:32pm.

Your checks thus far would seem to indicate a problem with either the starter or solenoid, though the battery (or a battery connection) can't be discounted just yet, even with normal light intensity. It takes a lot more amps to spin those 10 pistons than it does to light the lights. I do believe, though, that you have eliminated the alarm as a possible cause. Take a closer look at the battery(s) and connections. Many aftermarket parts houses (Autozone, Advance) will do a load test on the battery for no charge. If everything checks out ok there, I would feel safe asking for warranty consideration on the solenoid/starter.