Starter running after key is taken out of ignition

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FREIBURG8
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Greeting's-

I have a 96' Ford Explorer with about 160,000 miles and a V-6 engine. The other day I went to start it and the starter kept running. The engine didn't start or even roll over but the starter kept running. I took the key out of the ignition and yes, the starter kept going. I went to pop the hood to disconnect the battery cables and the hood wouldn't open. It was jammed shut for some reason. The starter kept running for a few minutes and eventually stopped.
Nine months prior to this incident I had replaced the starter and the fly wheel and the battery was just replaced. Is this a starter solenoid problem or possibly a ignition switch issue. Now when I try to start it the starter turns but the engine won't start. Could the fly wheel have been damaged. I didn't hear any grinding. Your help would be much appreciated. Thanks for your time.

Jared
Nov 19, 2007 at 6:28 AM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,988 POSTS
Your problem could be cause by a sticking starter relay/solenoid or the ignition switch. Starter engaging and engine not turning is an indication of the starter overrunning clutch slipping-simple bad starter.
Nov 19, 2007 at 6:45 AM
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