1992 Mercury Tracer Starter Problems

1992 MERCURY TRACER
160,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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EME43
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Recently, my vehicle starter on my 1992 Mercury Tracer will continually crank over in Park and Neutral without the key in the vehicle or in the "Run" position. As a temporary measure, I have been forced to leave the vehicle in "D", "L1", or "L2" when I shut off and park it. In order to start the vehicle, I turn the key to "Run" and quickly shift the vehicle into Neutral then "D", until the engine engages (if I leave it in Neutral, I hear a loud grinding noise, which I suspect to be caused from contact with the flywheel as the starter is not disengaging and is continually running). I use the same method when starting the vehicle from Park and I am forced to quickly move the shifter to Reverse or the same problem happens as mentioned previously. Your insight and reccomendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Jan 10, 2010 at 10:35 PM
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RASMATAZ
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Check and test the starter relay,TRS and the ignition switch-
Jan 10, 2010 at 10:42 PM
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EME43
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Thanks for the prompt reply. Could you please explain what the acronym TRS stands for.
Jan 11, 2010 at 5:38 AM
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RASMATAZ
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Its the transmission range switch/sensor
Jan 11, 2010 at 9:12 AM
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EME43
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Thanks for the insight. I went to an auto wreckers, purchased the whole ignition switch assembly (located on the steering column) for $5.00, replaced it, and now everything is operating as per normal.
Jan 16, 2010 at 10:09 AM
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RASMATAZ
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Posted at Sun Jan 10, 2010 10:42 pm
By rasmataz671, Certified 2CarPros Master Technician
(11546) Give Feedback | Votes: 276


Check and test the starter relay,TRS and the ignition switch-
Jan 16, 2010 at 1:55 PM