Cranking issue

[Jsp1946]

Good evening, everyone.
I have an 88 BII, 2.9, 4x4 auto. Yesterday it refused to crank. Battery is good, thought it was the starter relay. Replaced that, new neutral safety switch, new ignition switch. Still will not crank. Oddly, with the key on I'm getting 7.3 volts at the ignition wire at the relay. I've checked connections, all fuses look good. I can jumper across the relay terminals and it cranks without issue. I'm stumped. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[SenorNoob]

New doesn't necessarily mean good. Remember only a small % of products actually get tested before leaving the factory.

Does your relay have 3 or 4 connections? If it has 3, make sure the mounting bolts are on a good ground. If it has 4, try connecting the the 2 small terminals to the battery and see if it cranks.

 

[LIMA BEAN]

Sounds kind of groundy, just because there are volts don't mean amps can connect.

 

[Jsp1946]

Thanks for the ideas. After much checking and swearing I took a close look at the wire harness plug on the driver's side engine bay. Seems that before I owned it a power steering pump exploded and covered everything with power steering fluid. That harness plug was filthy and oily, so I pulled it apart, cleaned it thoroughly, reconnected and had 12 volts at the relay. I appreciate the responses!