I have a 1990 F150. In early spring (after sitting unused most of the winter) the first time I used it, the ignition switch seemed "sticky", as if there was some resistance turning it, and it didn't go back to its original position on its own. The next time my husband used it, a couple of weeks ago, same thing, but it ran OK, etc. Last weekend, we went to use it and the battery was dead. He took it out and charged it, and when he went to put it back in, as soon as he put the negative cable on the terminal, the engine started turning over.

We left the cable off for now. I tried the ignition switch, and it seems to be turning freely. Any ideas? Is this the ignition switch or something shorted on the way to the starter?
Thanks,
Jo

 

If the ignition switch is in the OFF position, and the starter still cranks when you attach the battery cable, pull the cable back off, and get a large screwdriver with a big plastic or wooden handle, and wrap (knock) the handle firmly and sharply against the starter relay a few times, and try attaching the cable again. If it's no longer trying to start when you attach the cable (in other words, it's acting like normal again), replace the starter relay. If it still cranks the starter when you attach the cable, you need to do further testing. Post your results, and we'll go from there.