Ghost Rig Starts By Itself???
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New User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 13
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Ghost Rig Starts By Itself???
I recently installed a custom trussed 9" rear on my 92. I have been taking my time on this project as it is not my daily driver. After a couple of months I am ready to start it up and begin the ring & pinion break-in. I put jumper cables on the battery, jump it from my ranger and hear the starter motor continue to crank after the motor is running. I turn the key off to investigate and the starter keeps running. I pull the key out and the starter still keeps running. Well now, this is bizzare so I remove the starter relay, test for continuity and everything looks good. I reinstall it and connect battery and all is well. I let the rig run for and hour or two and shut down to leave for work. About an hour later I get a call from my wife that the bronco is making funny noises. After getting the details from her I realize that the rig is trying to start by itself. She said every so often it would start turning over by itself. Needless to say my entire family is convinced that it is possesed but I am suspecting a bad relay, maybe moisture causing momentary contact? Anyone out there had experience in exorcisms or recognize this symptom?
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2004
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Can't help you, but you made my evening 
. I just love the idea that the truck was trying to start itself. Maybe it knew it had gears and could go and just wanted to get back on the road in a bad way.
Good luck and keep us posted.
. I just love the idea that the truck was trying to start itself. Maybe it knew it had gears and could go and just wanted to get back on the road in a bad way.Good luck and keep us posted.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 984
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From: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Check your ignition switch, as well as your starter solenoid. A lot of times, the starter switch in the column lets go, and the springs do not have the strength left to put it back to the run position. This switch is likely the problem, but it could be a few other things as well. You'll have to start from there, and work your way through the starting system wiring to isolate this problem.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 234
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From: Mount Tremper, New York
i read in a few places that the ignition switch in the 90-96 had a tendency to break, and sometimes catch fire, so check your switch
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 439
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i had the problem with the switch, with the exception to fire and ghost starting. the little peice of potmetel broke......talkabout elcheapo only 9 bucks to get the part from a ford dealer and they break so often they have'em in stock and u dont even have to finish the sentace and they know what u want lol. but its easy easy Easy to fix
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Cary
When my switch broke, the dealer told me it that it might have been caused from starting the truck with the steering wheel tilted in the up position all the time.
Apparently, the thing is bound up in that positition and that can lead to it breaking.
Apparently, the thing is bound up in that positition and that can lead to it breaking.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
Just a thought...but not sure if you have checked around under the dash, but I had installed a remote starter in my Bronco. The main box went south and started the truck on its own a few times before I replaced it.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 444
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From: Duncan,OK
I actually had a 76 F-100 that would start by itself. That Dura Spark II ignition would fire when you turn the key to the on position, and man you had better be ready. I almost drove through the Quick Stop once it jumped right up on the sidewalk. My wife sent it out across the pasture when she turn on the switch so she could listen to the radio.That was a foot race I'm glad I won it was headed for the creek. Best truck I ever had. Never let me down and it was easy on the
starter.
Pat
starter.
Pat
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: ALABAMA
i had the same problem on my 85 bronco after i replaced the dead starter solenoid because i was tired of the old pop the hood and screwdriver start rhythm. the new napa solenoid lasted a month then it cranked on its own just like yours did! a hammer and a temper revealed water inside the solenoid was the culprit! lol! i had steam cleaned the engine days before this happened.