'89 F250 with 5.8 Liter Motor.

When I turn the key to start, the solenoid on the fender makes a loud, rapid knocking noise.

Is this a sign of a bad solenoid, or is it possible it only does this because the battery is getting low?

Any ideas?

Thanks!!

 

did you try to jump it with a screwdriver across the terminals??

 

Yes ... and when I did that, it got hot and smoked ... what does that mean?