Starter engages in run position....
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Starter engages in run position....
1998 Expedition. When you go to start the truck, and turn the key to what would be the normal "On" position, just ahead of "Start", the starter engages and will not disengage until you turn the switch off. I thought for sure it had to be a bad ignition switch so, I replaced it with a new one, genuine ford part. Still doing the same thing.
I removed the switch again, but left it plugged into the harness so I could manually operate it through the positions, and sure enough, as soon as you click it to what would be the "run' position, the starter engages and will not disengage. It starts before you even get it to the "Start" position.
Something is causing power to go to the starter solenoid when it hits the Run position and not the Start position.
Is there a starter relay that could have gone bad and where would it be found?
Anyone ever had this happen?
Thank you for any and all help
I removed the switch again, but left it plugged into the harness so I could manually operate it through the positions, and sure enough, as soon as you click it to what would be the "run' position, the starter engages and will not disengage. It starts before you even get it to the "Start" position.
Something is causing power to go to the starter solenoid when it hits the Run position and not the Start position.
Is there a starter relay that could have gone bad and where would it be found?
Anyone ever had this happen?
Thank you for any and all help
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Nothing aftermarket at all on this truck. Interesting note that may help: when the truck is running now, the drivers side window will not work. Every other window will work. When the switch in in the "accessory" position all windows work. Im starting to think it may be an ECM issue.
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Does any one know if there is a starter relay upstream of the starter solenoid? The fuse box and relay diagrams in the owners manual do not specifically call one out, but surely there is one.
Does any one have a PDF of the wiring diagram that they can e-mail to me? Or a link to what I need on the web?
Does any one have a PDF of the wiring diagram that they can e-mail to me? Or a link to what I need on the web?
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From: St Louis
The window issue should be unrelated. If it turns out to be, it's going to be due to a relatively unconventional fault.
The starter relay is on the firewall. Follow the big red cable from the battery to locate it.
The electrical schematic is attached as a pdf file. It's a very simple circuit.
Remove fuse F21 from the under-dash fuse box. If the fault no longer exists, there's still an issue with the ignition switch (possibly adjustment) or the fuse box upstream of the supply for F21.
If removing f21 made no difference, move the shift lever out of the P or N position and see if the symptom disappears. If so there's probably an internal short in the DTR switch (mounted on the transmission input shift lever).
Report your results as clearly and concisely as possible. Ask further questions as needed.
The starter relay is on the firewall. Follow the big red cable from the battery to locate it.
The electrical schematic is attached as a pdf file. It's a very simple circuit.
Remove fuse F21 from the under-dash fuse box. If the fault no longer exists, there's still an issue with the ignition switch (possibly adjustment) or the fuse box upstream of the supply for F21.
If removing f21 made no difference, move the shift lever out of the P or N position and see if the symptom disappears. If so there's probably an internal short in the DTR switch (mounted on the transmission input shift lever).
Report your results as clearly and concisely as possible. Ask further questions as needed.
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Thank you very much!
The transmission shifter safety switch that prevents it from starting in reverse or drive seems to be working correctly. With the key in the "run" position and in drive, it does not try to start. But as soon as the selector is shifted into neutral or park, the starter engages and starts the truck, and stays engaged until you shift it into reverse or into drive, then it disengages and I can drive the truck without issues. I have to shut it off in drive, then shift it back to park, otherwise the starter engages the flywheel on the running engine. Sounds really nice when that happens.
The transmission shifter safety switch that prevents it from starting in reverse or drive seems to be working correctly. With the key in the "run" position and in drive, it does not try to start. But as soon as the selector is shifted into neutral or park, the starter engages and starts the truck, and stays engaged until you shift it into reverse or into drive, then it disengages and I can drive the truck without issues. I have to shut it off in drive, then shift it back to park, otherwise the starter engages the flywheel on the running engine. Sounds really nice when that happens.
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Fleet Owner
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It's starting to sound like there's an issue with the linkage that runs from the ignition lock cylinder down to the ignition switch. If it's "too long" it will place the switch in the start position even though the key is in the run position.
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I have already checked the nylon actuator rod. It is all in the correct position. I have the ignition switch (not key switch) totally removed from the truck but still connected to the wiring harness where I can move the switch to its various positions by hand. As soon as I click it to the ''run" position it starts the engine.
Hotshot
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From: St Louis
You know, it's REALLY REALLY annoying to give EXPLICIT INSTRUCTIONS and then not have them followed.
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I have not been able to work on it since last Friday, which is when I replaced the switch and all other things that I mentioned.
Once I get home from work today, I am planning to troubleshoot step by step per your instruction. My gut feeling is it is in the relay. Thank you a ton for your help!
Once I get home from work today, I am planning to troubleshoot step by step per your instruction. My gut feeling is it is in the relay. Thank you a ton for your help!
Hotshot
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From: St Louis
My gut feeling is it is in the relay
If the relay was, in fact, the issue, the position of the ignition switch would be irrelevant. Since the fault is related to the POSITION of the ignition switch, the relay is only responding to its input.
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You took me right to the problem. I pulled the fuse, no change. Disconnected the transmission switch, problem ceased. Put a new transmission switch on it and it works perfectly.
Thank you all for your help and willingness to share your knowledge. It is greatly appreciated.
Thank you all for your help and willingness to share your knowledge. It is greatly appreciated.