Hey all, new to the forum. I just bought a 96 explorer the other day. I drove it around all day then got back home and it wouldn't turn off. I turned the key, even removed it and the engine stayed on. Eventually, I had to pull the battery terminal. I found most people with this issue replaced the ignition switch and it solved it. I replaced the ignition switch AND the lock cylinder and still, the engine stays on after the ignition has been shut off. PLEASE HELP!!!!

 

Check the main ignition relay in the power distribution box.... Philip

 

Update: Went to go out yesterday morning and truck started then stalled. I restarted it and it stalled as I was backing out of the driveway. Then it wouldn't start again. After checking everything, I swapped around two of the relays in the PDB. The truck started right up and then it shut off! I moved it into the driveway and it shut off again. This morning, I drove to the store and when I got there, it wouldn't shut off again. So I went to NAPA got new relays and replaced all three of them. Still have the same problem. Anyone have any ideas?

 

When you turn the key to the "Off" position what do the instruments in the instrument cluster do, as well as the radio?

-Rod

 

Hey Rod,
The radio turns off but three lights stay on on the dash. The ABS light, the airbag light and the "door ajar" light. Planning on installing a kill switch next week if can't figure something out.

 

You have a short, allowing stray B+ to flow into the run circuit, bypassing the Ignition key.... Philip

 

Okay, so did some investigating and discovered when the idiot former owner replaced the fuel pump, he ran a wire from the pump and simply wrapped it around a fuse then plugged it into the fuse box. (The fuse for warning lamps) I assume this is causing my problem? Where should that wire actually be attached? Thanks for you help thus far.

 

You should try to reestablish the factory circuit..

Power from the FP relay to the inertia safety switch to the pump... Philip

 

 

Welcome to the forum!

Did anyone make any changes just prior to this issue? Do the accessories (radio, power windows, climate control and blower fan motor, etc.) continue to work even once the key has been removed? How about the Park interlock - are you able to shift out of park with your foot firmly on the brake pedal once the key has been removed? I'm trying to determine which circuits may still be active to help narrow down the issue.

-Rod

 

 

 

You and your fiance can look at it this way - the Explorer is still costing you less than a 22 year old kid would. And it talks back less. And it doesn't "remind" you of how little you know (or at least how little it thinks you know).

I think you're on the right track to consider the linkage between the ignition key cylinder and the ignition switch. If it were me I'd pull the steering column shrouding with the battery disconnected and inspect what moves when turning the key to Run and Start versus what moves (but appears like it should) when turning the key to Off.

-Rod