Starter will not turn off

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Apr 12, 2011 | 01:13 PM

dmilner1970

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Starter will not turn off

Hello Folks, I have a 88 Ford F250 7.5L 460. 2 wheel. When I started the truck the starter would not turn off even though I backed the key out. I had to jump out and immediately remove the negative battery cable. I have had some issues with the Key Column and replaced the cylinder. Its always been tight to turn both to the on position and even harder to the position where the starter engages. Where do I start? Also, is there something I can do in the meantime to get my truck home.. its stranded at a local grocery story. Wondering if I can bypass the key ignition and have a temp push button to start the truck until i can repair it permanently. What wires do I need to remove from the solenoid.. Please help!!! thank you!!!

Apr 12, 2011 | 02:58 PM

94BigRed

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Its sounds like the solenoid may have just stuck. The two wires you need to cross are the two heavier gage wires on either side of the switch. It would probably be better to leave them on and use a curved piece of metal to short them. I used to have to start a mower this way.

If you do have to take a wire off, take off just the one that goes to the starter and touch it to the other one, that way the live one stays secure on the switch.

Apr 12, 2011 | 05:04 PM

dmilner1970

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Thanks! Well, I replaced the ignition switch and it still doesn't work. I will replace the solenoid again an see if that fixes.. If not then I have a bad short somewhere?

Apr 12, 2011 | 11:43 PM

deeznuts822

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Joined: Feb 2008

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From: ohio

Smack that solonoid a few times. After market solonoids are garbage!!!!!! I would test for power on the lil wire with the key in run, But if you have that lil wire disconnected and the starter runs its the solonoid. I have seen the crap autozone sells stick on first use. I would try what big red suggested if whackin the solonoid dont work. You dont need a 10 lb sledge or anything just a few taps with a hammer not hard but easy

Apr 12, 2011 | 11:58 PM

94BigRed

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Yeah, those switches can be sticky at first. A short wouldn't cause your starter to stay on. But a messed up solenoid could stick it running, then stick in open position. I would definitely do the solenoid next.

Apr 13, 2011 | 02:33 AM

drjoe171

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Joined: Sep 2010

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From: Oregon

we had a f250 come across the field, the girl got out,
handed the key to dad, and a few minutes later,
I heard screaming that there was smoke coming out from under the hood.

The solenoid stuck just enough to smoke the starter
and melt a few wire.

new solenoid and starter fixed it.

my key switch is funky and loose, too but that wasn't it (apparently)
That was 3 years ago.