My buddy has an 88 Bronco. Lately, when he tries to start it, the starter won't stop engaging. He's been working around vehicles for years and this one has him stumped. He's replaced the starter and the celenoid....stillthe strter keeps engaging. A friend thinks it might be in the ignition switch..any ideas?

 

Sometimes if you don't get a heavy-duty solenoid they won't last but a few starts. At least that's been my experience. Pay the few extra bucks and get the good one.

JJ

 

I have been told that the problem could very well be a worn ignition switch or key thats causing the solinoid to remain in contact with the flywheel.
As long as the solinoid continues to get a 12volt impulse from the ignition, it will remain engaged.

I recently had the same problem after purchasing and installing, a brand new, "best they had" starer.

It engaged and would not release, even after turning off the ignition, which shut the engine off, but the starter keep whining away. Flip the key back to run and the rotating starter, would of course, restart the engine.

I finally put it in gear, let off the clutch, and the jerk of the engne/tranny, caused the solinoid to retracted.

It has not done it again, but like your friend, it kind'a worries me, as well.

Mainly because, I was also told that there is a possibility that it could cause a fire.

In my case, the Starter is brand new, so is the Engine, FlyWheel, Clutch, Pressure Plate, Throw Out Bearing, Pilot Bearing and Slave Cylinder. The Starter is, solidly mounted.

All that leads me to believe, that there was a temporary malfunction in the 14 year old Ignition Switch.

I'm actually in limbo with it right now, hoping that the problem does not rear its ughly head again.

I located my reciept for the new Starter. I plan to pull it, and take it back, if it happens again.

In the mean time, I'm gearing up for a new switch, and busting the repair manuals to get myself in tune with removal and insallation procedures.

Good luck to your friend, let us know, if it gets resolved, and what the deal was. Thanx!

 

just got a call from my buddy...thinks he found the problem...the safety neutral switch..because the bronco won't start off the key, and when it does start, it starts in any gear. If you bypass it, or cross the solonoid..it starts...so out comes the trannie. Actually..he says he's putting it at the end of the driveway with a for sale sign on it. So any of you guys have $500 Canadian? He says thanks for the feedback!!!