Starter Motor runs continuously
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 10
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Starter Motor runs continuously
91 F150 V8
When I turned the ignition key to the START position, the starter motor runs as it should, but when I allowed the key to relax back to the ON position, the starter motor continued to run. Even when I turned the key to the OFF position, the motor continued to run. I had to disconnect the battery cable to make the motor stop. Then, I measured the contiunity across the Starter Relay posts (on the inner fender sidewall), and found them shorted together. I replaced the starter relay, and the problem was fixed. But only one week later, the problem happened again.
Anybody know what might be going on ? could the ignition switch and/or the ignition lock cylinder be the possible cause ?
When I turned the ignition key to the START position, the starter motor runs as it should, but when I allowed the key to relax back to the ON position, the starter motor continued to run. Even when I turned the key to the OFF position, the motor continued to run. I had to disconnect the battery cable to make the motor stop. Then, I measured the contiunity across the Starter Relay posts (on the inner fender sidewall), and found them shorted together. I replaced the starter relay, and the problem was fixed. But only one week later, the problem happened again.
Anybody know what might be going on ? could the ignition switch and/or the ignition lock cylinder be the possible cause ?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 10
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Hi Steve ... thanks for the info. seems to me that the common problem with relays is that, after time they build up resistance and won't conduct enough amps. My problem is different ... a brand new relay got stuck "closed" and would not open even when the ignition switch retracted back to the ON position. This happened with two different relays ... I'm wondering if my problem might be caused by the ignition switch itself ?
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Memphis, TN 38135, USA, Earth
Keep a 12V test light in the truck, preferrably under the hood near the relay. Next time it sticks, pull the R/LB wire off and probe it. If the starter continues to run, strike the relay with something light like a screwdriver handle a few times. If it keeps running, strike the starter (AWAY from the wires) with something heavy like a long prybar. Practice beforehand so you'll know how to reach it - probably behind the RHF tire between the frame & wheelwell.