I have a 1996 e350 that stalls when key is released from start to
run position. The vehicle is a 351 with 117k on it, there are no trouble lights on,
it runs fine with some minor performance problems during warm-up. The problem
is intermittent and I am afraid to take it anywhere for fear of being marooned somewhere with a van that will not start. If anyone has any ideas I would be
grateful for any assistance.It was tuned up with new ignition parts 10000 mis ago. Right now I am going to look at the ignition switch and maybe the connections at the solenoid.If anyone has had this problem -let me know.

 

I sounds like the ballist resistor is bad. In the start position the resistor is by-passed so the ignition and coil get maximum voltage. In the run position the resistor drops the voltage to around 9V, I believe. This is so the ignition doesn't recieve voltage spikes. It could also be the contact inside the electrical portion of the ingition switch itself. Good luck.

 

I agree with the previous post, plus, you have to make sure you have the right coil. If you have a round coil, they offer coils that take either 9V or 12V and the 12V one drops the voltage internally. If you are all stock, make sure the replacement coil was one meant to take 9v. If you have a square coil (EEC-IV) I do not think this applies.

 

I just checked the ignition switch according to Haynes manual-it passed- got no idea where ballst resistor is on a Ford.

Thanks