Starter will not disengage
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Junior User
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Starter will not disengage
1988 F150 with a 5.0. The starter will not disengage once the engine begins to run. I disconnected the cable running from the solenoid to the starter and now have to manually touch the cable to the solenoid, start the truck and then take the cable off of the post. Any ideas on what this might be?
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From: So. NH
This is wierd!
I haven't been around here for quite awhile. I came today for this very reason!!!
However, I just replaced the starter the other day, and had EXACTLY the same thing happen today!
Thank God for AAA!
I haven't been around here for quite awhile. I came today for this very reason!!!
However, I just replaced the starter the other day, and had EXACTLY the same thing happen today!
Thank God for AAA!
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I haven't picked up the starter motor as of yet. Do you know how much they cost and if there is anything unusual about it's installation? This is a 'beat around the farm' type of truck. Is there a better starter than others?
I also need to replace the battery cables. I think they are originals.
I also need to replace the battery cables. I think they are originals.
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: So. NH
I hope this isn't considered highjacking the thread. I just figure the probelms are so much related (although my F150 is a 93) that I could 'piggy-back'. If that's not OK, let me know.At any rate, I just switched the relay and it made no difference. However, let me bring another bit of info into play:
When I switched the starter the other day, I noticed the smaller lead from the relay to the starter was melted in one spot. I blamed it on Ford's routing the wire next to the block, so I spliced it and re-routed it. I've had NO problems at all, until today.
Now, when I just tried to start again, I noticed that same wire is melting
in a long section, so I disconnected the battery.I guess I'm gonna have to replace that 'wonderful' cable 'assembly' as well as examine the starter and the relay, huh?
Last edited by Silverback; May 6, 2006 at 11:00 AM.
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: So. NH
BTW, mtcox, I would doubt the ignition switch (that's doubt- not totally eliminate).
As for starters, if it's a 'beat around the farm' truck, I wouldn't sink a lot of $$ into the starter. You can get a decent rebuilt from NAPA or other good parts store for under $100.
As for starters, if it's a 'beat around the farm' truck, I wouldn't sink a lot of $$ into the starter. You can get a decent rebuilt from NAPA or other good parts store for under $100.
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Junior User
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What is ultimately wrong with the starter? It engages when I hot wire it but doesn't disengage when the engine runs. It appears power is not being cut to the starter once the engine does start. Is this a function of the starter, the solenoid or another item I haven't touched on?
I was hoping it wasn't the ignition switch. I've never had to take one out and would rather hold off on that new project if I can avoid it.
I was hoping it wasn't the ignition switch. I've never had to take one out and would rather hold off on that new project if I can avoid it.
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: So. NH
I'll bow to anyone w/ more experience/knowledge, but it sounds to me like the relay is bad. (BTW- some say solenoid, some say relay- it's one and the same)
What you're experiencing is exactly what happened to me earlier today (with a new starter). I'm going to get a new relay now, since the one I experimented w/ may have been no good.
If you go looking for the cable assembly, be prepared to spend $$$. No local stores have it, and dealers want $120! I'm going to look in my catalogues for optional sources.
What you're experiencing is exactly what happened to me earlier today (with a new starter). I'm going to get a new relay now, since the one I experimented w/ may have been no good.
If you go looking for the cable assembly, be prepared to spend $$$. No local stores have it, and dealers want $120! I'm going to look in my catalogues for optional sources.
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Bellville TX. Wof Houston
The starter is just an elictric motor that does what it's told...
I really dont think replacing it will help ya.
If you really feel that it will I would replace the brushes in it first. they could be worn and hanging..
I allways wondered Y people would replace a starter for around 100.00 when brushes cost $0.39
But that's jsut me
I really dont think replacing it will help ya.
If you really feel that it will I would replace the brushes in it first. they could be worn and hanging..
I allways wondered Y people would replace a starter for around 100.00 when brushes cost $0.39
But that's jsut me
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Covington, Tn
Im betting that your starter is bad wether or not you changed the solenoid or not.
I had simular problem and just ignored it and wound up being near 500miles from home when it finnally gave up. Thanks to the guys at ADVANCED AUTO PARTS for giving me a hand at 15 mins till closing time. I had to change the battery and starter at the same time.
Thank again to those guys!
25mins from park to back on the road, that aint bad laying on your back in the parking lot!
I had simular problem and just ignored it and wound up being near 500miles from home when it finnally gave up. Thanks to the guys at ADVANCED AUTO PARTS for giving me a hand at 15 mins till closing time. I had to change the battery and starter at the same time.
Thank again to those guys!
25mins from park to back on the road, that aint bad laying on your back in the parking lot!
Last edited by alabamabuddog; May 6, 2006 at 08:25 PM.