1991 Ford E-Series Van starter run away

LARRY MACURDA

MEMBER
1991 FORD E-SERIES VAN
7.4L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
35,000 MILES

I just replaced the water pump and a new battery. Upon start up, I turned the key an the engine started but the starter kept running. I turned the key off and the starter kept running. I had to remove negative battery terminal to stop engine. Now without key, ignition switch off, when I touch negative battery terminal, the starter engages. I checked the selanoid and it clicks on and off when 12 v is applied. I don’t think I disconnected any wires during water pump replacement. I'm thinking start by changing selanoid then if that doesn't fix it, change starter. Is there anything I can check before doing this? This is a 1991 Econoline 350 van with 460 cid v8. Class C motorhome.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,923 POSTS

Ford had at least three different solenoid / starter circuit configurations. To save time, start with the battery disconnected, then use an ohm meter to measure between the two fat terminals on the solenoid. If you find 0 ohms, or very low resistance, bang on it to see if it goes to an open circuit, (very high resistance). If it does, the contacts are worn and the movable disc is getting wedged between them.

There's three different versions of solenoid Ford used. Your best bet is to look for a part number for the people at the auto parts store to cross. They all use the same small terminal that's hooked to the ignition switch, but one version has a second small terminal that has to go to ground through the neutral safety switch. On other versions that second terminal is for bypassing the ignition resistor for easier starting. If you ground that one, you'll have a burned-up wire.