Our '09 F-250 SD now has just a tick over 50,000 miles and this summer it developed a problem that I've never encountered before.

When I turn the ignition switch into the engine cranking position it cranks the engine over normally but if I let the switch go back to the run position before the engine fires up it doesn't stop cranking and the engine starts and the starter disengages as it would normally. In other words, if I wanted to just bump the engine over without starting it the engine will start up and the starter will disengage as if I've held the switch in the cranking position.

The engine has never failed to start and it poses no particular problem but obviously something is not working correctly. It's kind of peculiar in that had I never let the stitch back to the run position prior to the engine firing from the cranking position while starting the engine I never would have noticed anything amiss.

I've been very busy with harvest and fall work that I haven't had time to investigate and since it hasn't failed to fire up I've been using the truck as if nothing is wrong. Now that the fall rush is over I'm wanting to get to the bottom of the problem.

Has anyone encountered this problem or have any suggestions as to what the problem could be?

Thanks;

 

I do not know when Ford started this.. but is common on computer Fly by wire engines.

if you see cars/trucks with a push to start button. that is how it works.. just here its still part of the key system.

 

My 2008 Escape, does not have drive by wire throttle, but it does have and ignition switch that works as you described .

This is the way it is supposed to work.
Turn the key to crank, and release.
Engine starts, and starter disengages .

I don't believe you have anything to be concerned about.

 

What if the engine doesn't fire, will the system keep the starter engaged until the battery is dead? What if I need to bump the engine just a bit for whatever reason? That would be impossible given the circumstances as they are.

 

No, there is a timeout..... and returning the KEY to OFF. Will stop the starter...

 

I belive, timeout for starter is 7 sec.

 

Thanks guys.