Starter engages when batteries hooked up

2000 FORD F-250
200,000 MILES • 7.3L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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STINGERSD
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Replaced my starter after it failed, put brand new starter in and went to hook up batteries. Once hooked up the starter engaged with no keys in (I was still by batteries). Looked and everything is hooked up and not touching. Any advice is appreciated.
Dec 12, 2019 at 9:27 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi,

You most likely have crossed the wires at the starter. The smaller wire should only have power when the key is in the start position. If that terminal is being touched by the main starter wire from battery, the starter will engage regardless.

If that isn't the case, return the starter.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
Dec 12, 2019 at 6:03 PM
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