A few months ago the fuel shut-off solenoid needed to be lifted manually after the key was turned, in order to start my truck. After several months of this, suddenly the solenoid worked properly. Several weeks later, the starter motor wouldn't crank (some of the time). I replaced the starter relay, and the problem was fixed. A week later, again the starter motor would not engage, except first thing in the morning or if the truck sat for many hours. I had to bridge the terminals on the starter to start the engine.

Today, I replaced the plunger and the contacts (w/ oversized) in the starter. To my disgust, when I tried to start the truck, not only would the starter not engage, but the fuel shut-off solenoid would not open/lift. I started the truck by manually lifting the solenoid 'rod', and bridging the starter motor terminals.

Can anyone help a lost soul with this dilemma? Thanks.