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1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

HELP!!! Starting problem.

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Old Sep 11, 2013 | 02:45 PM
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izmepeggy's Avatar
izmepeggy
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HELP!!! Starting problem.

1988 F-250 460 cu..I have replaced the starter (twice),solenoid (3 times) and just replaced the ignition switch..I have trouble with the starter engaging and not stopping.What next??? This is driving me crazy and it's my only form of transportation..Thank you for any input.I just went out and sometimes you can hear it going through the solenoid..But not engaging the starter.I am at a lost.
 
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Old Sep 11, 2013 | 03:02 PM
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Originally Posted by izmepeggy
1988 F-250 460 cu..I have replaced the starter (twice),solenoid (3 times) and just replaced the ignition switch..I have trouble with the starter engaging and not stopping.What next??? This is driving me crazy and it's my only form of transportation..Thank you for any input.I just went out and sometimes you can hear it going through the solenoid..But not engaging the starter.I am at a lost.
Where are you getting your solenoids from, sounds to me like the solenoids are shorting out. If I am reading this correctly, your starter will not stop spinning after you release the key to run? And then it will not engage the starter? Also do you have a starter relay in the engine fuse box? I would also try changing that out with the fuel pump relay if you do not want to purchase a new one. Hope this helps
 
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Old Sep 11, 2013 | 03:17 PM
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izmepeggy
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The solenoid is on the starter..It's the starter relay that I have replaced..Sorry,I get the two mixed up..hehehe..I get my parts from a reputable auto parts place and NOT auto zone.Could it be the key switch?
 
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Old Sep 11, 2013 | 04:17 PM
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Originally Posted by izmepeggy
The solenoid is on the starter..It's the starter relay that I have replaced..Sorry,I get the two mixed up..hehehe..I get my parts from a reputable auto parts place and NOT auto zone.Could it be the key switch?
The key switch could be an issue, but if you are hearing the solenoid click I doubt it, I don't want to sound ignorant but are you sure you don't have a solenoid mounted on the inside of the fender as well as the one on the starter? Almost all Fords of these years have it. The battery cable (positive) should go directly to it.
 
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Old Sep 11, 2013 | 04:26 PM
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The solenoid is on the starter (built in) It's the starter relay on the fender.I keep getting them mixed up..hehehe..I have replaced the starter relay 3 times..Now it's not doing anything..
 
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Old Sep 11, 2013 | 05:20 PM
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FORGOT TO ADD: It will start from the starter relay.HELP!!!!
 
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Old Sep 11, 2013 | 11:20 PM
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Please guys,I need your help!!!! Now I just hear the click from the starter relay.I have already replaced everything I know to replace.What else am I missing???
 
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Old Sep 11, 2013 | 11:33 PM
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If you are burning up relays and starters , check for voltage drops and bad grounds . A poor ground or positive connection can cause the relay or solenoid to stick closed from excessive amperage draw , causing the starter to stay engaged . Or , you could just be purchasing crap parts ! Best of luck !
 
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Old Sep 11, 2013 | 11:43 PM
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Be sure that the fender-mounted relay is replaced with a Motorcraft replacement, not AutoZone, MPI, BWD, etc.. you get the idea.

Also as stated, check all wiring to the starter, relay, and battery. Any corrosion or damaged wiring can cause the above situations along with a no-start.
 
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Old Sep 11, 2013 | 11:47 PM
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I had that same problem on my truck! Every time it did it I had to calmly walk outside the truck as the starters spinning, and yank off the neg. cable off the battery. Drove me nuts to say the least!

I started digging and everything checked out good, but I traced one of the ground wires all the way down and even though the corrugated tubing looked clean, there was a break in the insulation and black copper underneath.
How it causes the starter to engage constantly I couldn't tell ya, but replaced the ground wire a year ago, hasn't happened since!

Good luck and keep it simple! There is always a solution
 
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Old Sep 12, 2013 | 01:41 AM
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Now it just clicks at the starter relay and doesn't even try to start..I have checked everything..I narrowed the starter not disengaging to the ignition switch.The rod wasn't springing back with the old one.I replaced it and the rod is springing back as it should.If that makes sense..lol..And I can start it by jumping the starter relay..Thank you guys for any suggestion.
 
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