So I have a 97 F150 with the 5.4l. It was running and starting fine until now.
It was acting like a dead battery,interior lights dim and just clicking at the battery. I through the charger in it and still nothing. So I inspected a little and found the negative battery clamp was cracked. I replaced that and still no difference.
Today I checked all ignition fuses and tried to jump the starter solenoid with the key in the run position.
That did nothing but cause a little smoke to come from the positive connection at the battery. Now absolutely no power. Recharged the battery and still nothing not even int lights.
Any insight or help is greatly appreciated I love my truck and need to get it running.

 

Smoke at the + terminal? Pull it and clean it.

 

Defective battery connection or cable.

 

I'll try cleaning it tonight it's finally warming up. I hope it's that simple.

 

may sound stupid but make sure the shifter is all the way in park "all the way up"

 

Nope. He has NOTHING, including no lights. Something burned "open" in the primary power circuit, ie, the battery cables (usually), when he let the "magic smoke" out.

 

Thanks for the help!
After trying off and on for days checking fuses etc. I changed the positive battery clamp and it fired right up. Thanks again. What an awesome site!