This truck is a recent buy. I didn't know a whole lot about it, but the seller basically gave it away. It's a 1982 Ford F-150 Step Side with a 302 V-8. There are some after market parts. I replaced the ignition coil because it would start and run fine, but would die after a while when the motor would get hot. This fixed the problem for the most part. I went out today, and it started just fine. However, very soon after it started everything just shut off. No power to anything. I turned the key to off, waited a few seconds, and turned it back to start. Nothing happens. It doesn't turn over. No lights on the dash or in the cab turn on.

I am by no means a mechanic. I have done some light work by guidance. Any ideas on where I should start with this project? Could it be faulty battery cables? Ignition switch? Any advice will be much appreciated!

 

Most likely loose or corroded battery cables.

 

Bad ground. Possibly negative battery cable.

 

verify battery has charge then clean cables. you can jump solenoid to see if switch or wiring to switch is bad