[BlueBama]

I have a problem on my 96, 4.9L, 5-SPEED Tranny. For 4 years the starter was dragging, slower and slower until it finally stopped.
So I take the starter off my 94 Bronco and install it, and it starts up immediately, only for the the starter to stay engaged and not turn loose of the flywheel. I thought maybe the starter wasn't an exact swap, and went to buy a new one. I install the new one and get the SAME THING!!!!!
Then I think maybe the solinoid is bad and replace that too. NO CHANGE.
Can anybody think of ANYTHING I am missing????
End result is I have tried two different starters and a new solonoid, only to have it continue to start right up, but the starter stays engaged!!!
Anybody??? ideas??

 

[BlueBama]

Well good.....I'm not the only one that's completely BAFFLED!!!!!!:cry

 

[yoomooman]

chill man pple are at work, this site dont usually pick up till about 5ish, im baffled as to what would cause this too, does your ignition switch stick to start or does it roll back to run after you start it, are you positive your got the starter and fender relay wired correctly

 

[Bronco4Life]

No, we just don't hover around the internet 24/7 waiting to be your free mechaic. :thumbup


Are you still getting voltage from your ignition to your solenoid after you let it back from the start position?

 

[BlueBama]

chill man pple are at work, this site dont usually pick up till about 5ish, im baffled as to what would cause this too, does your ignition switch stick to start or does it roll back to run after you start it, are you positive your got the starter and fender relay wired correctly

I'm gonna check it AGAIN, this evening when I get home, but yeah, pretty sure.
One thing I suspect is that the negative ground cable is bolted to the bellhousing using the bottom Starter bolt. Normally this shouldn't be an issue, BUT I am going to use a multi-meter and see if my ground wire may be hot??!!!??

 

[BlueBama]

No, we just don't hover around the internet 24/7 waiting to be your free mechaic. :thumbup


:beer
YES YOU HAVE IN THE PAST!!!!! This site is more reliable than the postal system!!!

 

[XDAILY]

Id say it was the cables or connections, not the starter/solenoid. Replace
with heavier gauge wire and check the connections and terminals. Feel around
for hot spots (without burning yourself) after cranking. If the wire or terminals
get hot theres resistance or arcking.

 

[yoomooman]

your ground cable should be on the block not the bell housing:wtf

the positive should go to the fender relay, then there is a big cable and a little cable going from the relay to the starter, make sure to test the little wire on the little post of the relay to see if its staying energized when the key is on run, if it is your problem is in the ignition switch on the column

 

[Peppy]

have you checked the ring gear? over time they tend to get mashed up a bit which if it's bad enough could actually hold the starter in

 

[BroncoHector]

Id put money on the key switch! not going to the on position and sticking at the start position.

 

[BlueBama]

have you checked the ring gear? over time they tend to get mashed up a bit which if it's bad enough could actually hold the starter in

This is a thought that keeps entering my head as well.
All the suggestions made are plausible. BUT everything was working fine (key switch, wiring, solonoid,..etc) until I changed starters.
The truck does have 280,000 miles on it and it was the factory starter that I replaced. I bought the truck new, so I know for a fact it has not been changed before.
I appreciate y'alls input, and will update you ASAP!!!

 

[BlueBama]

your ground cable should be on the block not the bell housing:wtf

the positive should go to the fender relay, then there is a big cable and a little cable going from the relay to the starter, make sure to test the little wire on the little post of the relay to see if its staying energized when the key is on run, if it is your problem is in the ignition switch on the column

I KNOW!!!!!
I was surprised to see it that way as well. My Bronco was not wired this way, nor was a friend of mines 94 Bronco.
But this appears to be the way my 96 F-150 came from the factory.
I have owned the truck since it was new, so I have to ASSUME it came this way from the factory???!!??

 

[yoomooman]

im geussing its factory then but ive never seen one like that.............youve got yourself a problem here maybe the ring gear is FUBAR`d:shrug

 

[mud_slinger18]

i had the same problem with my bronco i made the mistake of letting a friend change my starter cause he needed some money make sure all your wires are hooked up right and if its not that then change the solenoid it might be stuck the spring could have broke or something to cause it to stay open