Joined
·
36 Posts
Hello everyone. I am new to this site, just having moved over from the old one. I am having a problem with my 1989 E-250 that I just can't seem to figure out.
I have an intermittent sticking problem in my starter solenoid. I start the vehicle up and the starter engages, the engine fires, but the starter stays engaged, even after I turn off the ignition. I then have to unlatch the hood, and pull the neg cable off the batter to kill all power.
I usually have to take off the solenoid, and either replace it with the spare I have taken to carrying around, or tap it to unstick the relays inside. This works for awhile until the sol finally burns up and I have to get another. It only does it about every 4-5 starts, so apparently it is something that builds up over the course of a day or two.
So far I have replaced about 8 solenoids, one voltage regulator, the ignition switch on the steering column, and the starter from when it did this the first time and burned up the starter motor. This is over that last month and a half, and nobody seems to be able to figure out why. I have been told that it's everything from the ignition actuator lever in the steering column, to bad wires, to a faulty ground strap. I have cleaned up all the grounds, except for the ground strap, which will be today's project. All wires seem to be checking out for shorts/opens.
I ruled out the ign actuator, because when I replaced the ign switch I was able to get it adjusted to where the various systems work in the proper key positions ( acc/run/ start/dash lights, etc.). It seems to be working fine, and besides, I have not been able to find any concise information on how to replace the actuator, and I am hesitant to take apart the column without having the right info.
Like I said, this is an intermittent problem, but it seems to be happening more frequently in the last few days. My van is actually a Class B motorhome on the E-250 SD chassis, and I use it for work/living quarters when I am on the road. I need to get this fixed soon, since I am about 2000 miles from home working, and really don't want to have to nurse her across country like this. She's a good strong vehicle otherwise, and never gave me an ounce of trouble before this, other than replacing an alternator last year, which on a 21 year old vehicle I consider to be acceptable routine maintenance.
If there are any electrical gurus or Ford techs out there that are aware of and know the solution to this problem I would greatly appreciate the input. She's a great vehicle and still has years of life left in her, and I want to get her well again so we can hit the road without worrying. Thanks in advance for any help you might be able to offer.
I have an intermittent sticking problem in my starter solenoid. I start the vehicle up and the starter engages, the engine fires, but the starter stays engaged, even after I turn off the ignition. I then have to unlatch the hood, and pull the neg cable off the batter to kill all power.
I usually have to take off the solenoid, and either replace it with the spare I have taken to carrying around, or tap it to unstick the relays inside. This works for awhile until the sol finally burns up and I have to get another. It only does it about every 4-5 starts, so apparently it is something that builds up over the course of a day or two.
So far I have replaced about 8 solenoids, one voltage regulator, the ignition switch on the steering column, and the starter from when it did this the first time and burned up the starter motor. This is over that last month and a half, and nobody seems to be able to figure out why. I have been told that it's everything from the ignition actuator lever in the steering column, to bad wires, to a faulty ground strap. I have cleaned up all the grounds, except for the ground strap, which will be today's project. All wires seem to be checking out for shorts/opens.
I ruled out the ign actuator, because when I replaced the ign switch I was able to get it adjusted to where the various systems work in the proper key positions ( acc/run/ start/dash lights, etc.). It seems to be working fine, and besides, I have not been able to find any concise information on how to replace the actuator, and I am hesitant to take apart the column without having the right info.
Like I said, this is an intermittent problem, but it seems to be happening more frequently in the last few days. My van is actually a Class B motorhome on the E-250 SD chassis, and I use it for work/living quarters when I am on the road. I need to get this fixed soon, since I am about 2000 miles from home working, and really don't want to have to nurse her across country like this. She's a good strong vehicle otherwise, and never gave me an ounce of trouble before this, other than replacing an alternator last year, which on a 21 year old vehicle I consider to be acceptable routine maintenance.
If there are any electrical gurus or Ford techs out there that are aware of and know the solution to this problem I would greatly appreciate the input. She's a great vehicle and still has years of life left in her, and I want to get her well again so we can hit the road without worrying. Thanks in advance for any help you might be able to offer.
Attachments
-
13.5 KB Views: 698