Ignition/starting problem

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Mar 23, 2003 | 01:55 PM

RomeoAlphaYankee

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Joined: Feb 2003

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From: Arizona

Ignition/starting problem

Good numbers to all my fellow FTE's. Here we go.

I own a 1981 Big Bronco with the 351M engine. It is very simple which means no AC, PW's or PDL's. Get the picture?

A few weeks ago I was unable to start the motor. Well, actually it fires when the key is turned all the way forward to the start position, however when I release the key, the motor shuts down.
If I could keep the key forward, the motor would continue to run, however that is not possible for obvious reasons.

Any helpful hints or websites I can visit pertaining to this problem is greatly appreciated.

Mar 23, 2003 | 02:20 PM

macguyver

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Joined: Aug 2002

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From: Minneapolis, MN

Ignition/starting problem

The run circuit on the DS II is fed by a different wire than the start circuit. It could be the ignition switch, the resistor wire in the harness, the control module or a connection somewhere in between.
The wires at the module are:
----------------------
red- power in the run position
white- power in the start position
green- the "ground" wire to the coil sometimes called "spout"
orange- signal from dist pickup
purple- signal from dist pickup
black- ignition system ground

Hope this helps.
Greg

Last edited by macguyver; Mar 23, 2003 at 02:41 PM.

Mar 23, 2003 | 02:48 PM

Bob Ayers

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Joined: Jan 2003

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From: Durham, NC

Ignition/starting problem

I agree, the resistor is probably open.....

Mar 23, 2003 | 09:43 PM

jpannozo

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Joined: Jan 2003

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From: ny

Ignition/starting problem

yeah ive had that problem before to i replaced my igniton switch and that fixed it

Mar 23, 2003 | 09:53 PM

jake_i_am

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Joined: Sep 2002

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From: Indiana

Ignition/starting problem

i am having the same problem with mine. I replaced the ignition switch....nothing.... next i will look at the wiring and let you know how it goes...

Mar 27, 2003 | 11:38 PM

jginva

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Joined: Mar 2003

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Ignition/starting problem

Sounds like maybe the 2 small wires on the starter solonoid are swapped. Its backfeeding to the switch for a ground, but when you go to run it stops because its powering the wrong wire on the solonoid. I don't know for sure what colors the wires are, so find out for sure before you switch them. If that's not it, I wouldn't want to be responsible for burning up your solonoid. I put mine on backwards one time and the relay stuck and the engine would not quit cranking, even after I turned the key back off.

Mar 28, 2003 | 04:47 AM

macguyver

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Joined: Aug 2002

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From: Minneapolis, MN

Ignition/starting problem

jginva, the problem won't be with the solenoid. It's cranking normally, just not staying running. If you swap the 2 small wires, the solenoid gets energized by one wire when the key is turned to on instead of start and feeds back 12v into the start circuit by the other. That shouldn't cause it to keep cranking but I'm not going to try it to find out for sure. Anything's possible.