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Old Aug 7, 2003 | 11:27 AM
  #1  
74F100Ranger's Avatar
74F100Ranger
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ignition problem

I took my grandma to home depot one day in my truck and on the way out my truck would start up and just die as soon as I let go of the key. So finally we got it started. I was screwing around with it today and found out that when i engage starter it starts and runs but as soon as I let off it dies. So I tried starting it and just letting the key go back just enough to disengage starter, it runs but as soon as I let it go all the way it dies. Do I need a new ignition???
Thanks,
Joel
 
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Old Aug 7, 2003 | 11:49 AM
  #2  
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ranger429
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From: Northern Illinois
ignition problem

you could need a new ignition switch or it could be a wire that has gone bad,with the key in the run mode check the wires at your solenoid and see if you have voltage
 
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Old Aug 7, 2003 | 12:34 PM
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okiebronco
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From: del city,oklahoma
ignition problem

im guessing its either the ignition switch or the ignition module box that mounts on the firewall or wheel well
 
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Old Aug 7, 2003 | 12:41 PM
  #4  
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GR8Diesel
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From: Burnsville, MN
ignition problem

Does this truck have an ignition ballast resistor or resistance wire?
I have had the same experience an older ford and it was the resistance wire had failed. (The resistor is bypassed during starter operation).
 
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Old Aug 7, 2003 | 03:20 PM
  #5  
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ranger429
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From: Northern Illinois
ignition problem

originally they did not come with a ballast resistor
 
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Old Aug 7, 2003 | 09:10 PM
  #6  
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thelonerangerxlt
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ignition problem

It's a bad ignition switch. The ballast bypass circuit only operates when the starter turns. Since it runs with the starter off, and slight pressure on the ignition switch, the trouble has to be in the switch.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2003 | 02:06 PM
  #7  
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dfisher1
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ignition problem

All,
I was under the impression that the coil had two different voltages that it ran off. 12VDC at startup and 9VDC continuos or running.
It was my impression that his was controlled by the DuraSpark box? Yeah, the signal's from the switch to the box. So twelve volts from the switch tells the box to send 12VDC to the coil. No twelve volt signal, it sends 9VDC to the coil?
Am I off base?
KingFisher
 
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Old Aug 8, 2003 | 04:02 PM
  #8  
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okiebronco
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From: del city,oklahoma
ignition problem

id pull the module off and take it a local parts house like auto zone or orielys. they can test the module for you at no charge. if its not that THEN spend the cash on a new switch
 
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Old Aug 9, 2003 | 03:13 PM
  #9  
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From: Comox Valley, Canada
ignition problem

Originally posted by dfisher1
All,
I was under the impression that the coil had two different voltages that it ran off. 12VDC at startup and 9VDC continuos or running.
It was my impression that his was controlled by the DuraSpark box? Yeah, the signal's from the switch to the box. So twelve volts from the switch tells the box to send 12VDC to the coil. No twelve volt signal, it sends 9VDC to the coil?
Am I off base?
KingFisher
The module actually only controls the ground to the coil.
12 volts from the start relay terminal I during starting to the coil + and approx 9 volts thru the resistor wire during running to the coil +
The module uses two voltage signals from the iginition switch, one is when the switch is in start.....retards the timing a little for better starts and the other is during running which powers up the module.
 
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Old Aug 10, 2003 | 11:22 AM
  #10  
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76supercab2
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ignition problem

Had the exact same problem on a thunderbird with duraspark. It was the duraspark ignition module. We replace the key switch first and it did nothing to solve the problem. I've seen this problem manifest itself 2 ways. 1: the engine starts with the key in the start position but when you let go it dies. Got around that one because the car had an automatic trans. Put the trans in neutral, started the engine then dropped the trans into drive. The starter cutout shut off the starter motor and we got back to civilization holding the switch.

2. The engine wouldn't start until you let go of the switch. Had to start the engine spinning and then let go to get fire.

Both of these problems were solved with a new module.
 
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Old Aug 10, 2003 | 04:44 PM
  #11  
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Torque1st
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ignition problem

You can get the module tested for free at most good parts stores.
 
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