Starter won't stop running
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Trailering
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 24
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Starter won't stop running
Had a first for me today,.. Started the truck which fired right up but the starter kept running. I turned the key to off and the truck promptly shut off but the starter was still running! Not sure what to do, I popped the hood and disconnected the battery terminals which killed the starter.
Is this a problem with the ignition switch ?
Is this a problem with the ignition switch ?
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Aye, a sticking starter solenoid.
More about them here:
All about starter solenoids (relays) and why they fail
More about them here:
All about starter solenoids (relays) and why they fail
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh
Yeah, just had this happen. Damn starter solenoid.. I ended up changing the cable to the starter and battery ground. I dont know what it was but I fried 3 solenoids and my starter and another starter. I think the cable to the starter was shorting out where its clamped to the engine (where the negative attaches).
New User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7
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lol it is amazing how quick you can "pop the seat belt off, pop the hood as your opening the door, hoping out open the hood and pull the battery cable". Had this happen to my old truck twice. first time yanked the cable, let it sit for a bit and worked good for a while. 2nd time I was on my way home from a bad day at work, said the Heck with it and just drove it home. the starter held up till about 45mph through all 4 gears.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56
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If this problem is the ignition switch you would be able to make it STOP by actively turning the key backwards rather than just letting go of the key. That could be it but its probably the relay.
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Trailering
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 24
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Ok guys, so I bought a motorcraft relay and it survived about 3 starters when I got the dreaded starter kept running problem.... I disconnected the little third wire from the relay and it stopped running... Did I just get a bad motorcraft part? I have 12.4 volts at the battery...
Should I try another brand of relay?
Should I try another brand of relay?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,033
Likes: 11
From: Wausau, WI
When I start my truck, I've gotten into the habit when going from start to run, I help it back and give it a little jiggle. Those switches never seemed to have the best return mechanism. All of my trucks through the years have been like that, and I've always thought of that as "normal".
I would try to re-adjust the switch first, then replace of that doesn't work.
Does the starter shut off when you turn the ignition off or does it stay engaged (when it wants to run on)?
I would try to re-adjust the switch first, then replace of that doesn't work.
Does the starter shut off when you turn the ignition off or does it stay engaged (when it wants to run on)?
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
If the starter motor stops by disconnected that small red/blue wire, the problem is in the wiring harness from the solenoid to the ignition switch on the column (something is supplying power to that wire when it shouldn't be) or in the ignition switch itself.
My guess would be in the ignition switch itself - out of adjustment, sticking, broken, etc.
I like Chop's idea of helping the key turn back to RUN from START, see what that does for ya.
My guess would be in the ignition switch itself - out of adjustment, sticking, broken, etc.
I like Chop's idea of helping the key turn back to RUN from START, see what that does for ya.
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Trailering
Joined: Dec 2012
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Just a follow up to this post, after trying the motorcraft starter relay and only working for about 3 starts, I bought the cheap auto parts store relay and is working fine after about a month of service..... Fingers crossed...
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,033
Likes: 11
From: Wausau, WI
The Motorcraft relay only lasted for three starts? Seems odd. I wonder if the starter is over-amping. You could get it tested in the vehicle.
My '86 was chewing up relays and found it was the starter pulling so many amps it would almost instantly burn the contacts.
My '86 was chewing up relays and found it was the starter pulling so many amps it would almost instantly burn the contacts.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 698
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From: Norman, Ar
Had the same problem with my 85..Replaced solenoid twice...then put in new igniton switch...Problem solved..
Also, clean the fender good where the solenoid mounts; should be on the metal edge.....Needs good ground...Trav..
Also, clean the fender good where the solenoid mounts; should be on the metal edge.....Needs good ground...Trav..
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