Starter Solenoid question

[Liquidnails]

What is the easiest way to gain access to the terminals on the starter solenoid? My truck wouldnt start this morning, and i noticed a loose wire with a blade connector hanging down near the oil filter. When I hooked a bulb between the neg battery terminal and this wire and turned the key to "Start" the bulb lit up, so I'm pretty sure the reason my truck isnt starting is because this wire I found is the ignition wire. I can get at the starter easily enough through the wheel well and from the top, but the solenoid is sort of tucked behind and hard to reach. Is there an easier way for me to access the terminals without removing the whole thing?

Thanks a lot for any help!

[PEZi]

not really

sadly these as well as the KAs are known for being annoying when it comes to the starter

[Liquidnails]

I guess I'll have to pull the starter then. I've never done it before... Is there anything in particular I should or shouldn't do, or anything special I should watch for?

[MetalFab]

It's pretty straight forward, I'd pull the pos cable from the battery, and get a block of wood or concrete to rest the starter on while you're trying to get the wire back on. Sometimes, differing from truck to truck, the wires will be too short and it's no fun juggling a heavy starter and tools while trying to get a thin wire to stay intact =) good luck man.

[flinterman2000]

Have you tried connecting it from below?

[Liquidnails]

I managed to squeeze my hands in and plug it in from above by feel. I'll have to replace the connector since it won't stay seated. I may have been able to get it from below but that would mean rolling around in ice and snow

[MetalFab]

Yea sorry I was referring to pulling it from under the truck. I hate playing a blind contortionist.. when it comes to cars at least. and usually just climb under and pull the entire thing, that is unless it's right out there in the open.

[flinterman2000]

I managed to squeeze my hands in and plug it in from above by feel. I'll have to replace the connector since it won't stay seated. I may have been able to get it from below but that would mean rolling around in ice and snow

Yeah. I forgot that you guys have a lot of snow right now.