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1990 E150 Delayed starting. Need help.

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Old Jan 11, 2015 | 11:04 PM
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1990 E150 Delayed starting. Need help.

1990 E150 to start I have to hold the key in start position for up to 20 seconds until the starter motor activates and starts the engine. Ill hear a slight humming noise coming from the starter area while waiting for the starter to activate. Any help on how to fix it?

Is it the starter relay?

Is it the ignition switch?

any help would be great!
 
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Old Jan 12, 2015 | 05:09 AM
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Sounds like the starter solenoid, that's mounted right on the starter motor.

The humming noise you hear from the starter leans towards that thought.

To replace that alone, it's cost is about 1/2 for a new starter with solenoid.

Replacing the starter w/solenoid is a $100 repair or less if you shop around.

There is a "test" to bypass the ignition switch and relay, if your talented enough to try it.
 
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Old Jan 12, 2015 | 07:22 AM
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I'll add that since this is very likely starter-related replacing it entirely might be a good idea, assuming its a good quality reman'd part. I prefer NAPA or Motorcraft; not cheap but reliable and with good warranties should they ever be needed.
 
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Old Jan 12, 2015 | 11:54 AM
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Please explain how I can bypass it
 
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Old Jan 12, 2015 | 07:08 PM
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Ok, but at your own risk.

Better if you have a "helper" sitting in the drivers seat, with foot on brake.

First, set parking brake, or **** wheels, Shift lever in PARK, turn key to run.
*This can also be done with the key switch in the off/lock position, but the engine will not start, starter will turn.

Locate starting solenoid under hood, with a good heavy screwdriver, connect the two post on the starting solenoid with the screwdriver, this will give power directly to the starter/relay, from the battery.

This by-passes the ignition switch, and the Neutral Safety Switch, to eliminate there possible malfunction.

If it's still acting like you wrote = Bad starter.

Caution: If the vehicle is NOT in Park, the vehicle can move once it is started, if the transmission is in any gear range (reverse/drive)
Which is NOT a Good Thing.
 
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Old Jan 13, 2015 | 03:54 PM
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Ok I'm gonna try this when I get home. The previous owner replaced the starter but not the fender mounted solenoid. I'm starting to believe its the fender mounted solenoid.
 
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Old Jan 13, 2015 | 08:54 PM
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Is this the same PO that put the floor shiftier in.........

I've had brand new re-man starters right out of the box that were bad.
And I don't buy stuff like that from Advance anymore.

And, how do you know it was a new starter?? could have been a used one.

Try the by-pass I wrote about, that will narrow it down for you.
 
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Old Jan 13, 2015 | 09:49 PM
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Ok I replaced the fender mounted solenoid with a replacement from O'Rileys it was about 35$. Took about 5 minutes.

Van started right up! Couldnt be happier. Thanks for the fast responses.

For anyone trying to locate the fender mounted starter solenoid just follow the postive (red) cable from your battery.
 
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Old Jan 14, 2015 | 11:25 AM
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Ok yall went to start the van up just now and the everything worked like it should but then the starter motor wouldnt disengage. It just kept cranking even after i pulled the key out I had to open the hood and dissconnect the battery to get it to stop.

How do i fix this?
 
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Old Jan 14, 2015 | 04:47 PM
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Okay yall turns out my replacement BWD solenoid was bad right out of the box. Went back to O'rielys and got a motorcraft brand solenoid. Works great. Dont buy BWD total garbage. spend the 10 extra bucks and get the motorcraft solenoid.
 
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Old Jan 14, 2015 | 07:41 PM
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Ok went to drive the Van it started up but sounded like it was only on 4 cylinders. Then it died. wouldnt start back up. Put 1.5 gallons in the tank thinking the tank was empty. Still wont start but will turn over.
 
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