Electrical problems during cranking

[ksamson]

Hello, I am having an electrical problem when I crank the motor. Problem: starter stays engaged after I turn the key to off. My initial thought is a bad starter solenoid. Any help would be appreciated.

[Jeff Kleiner]

A bad solenoid can do that however you first need to assure that it is not being told to stay engaged electrically by checking to verify that power is not present at the solenoid energizing wire when the ignition is not in the crank position.

Jeff

[ksamson]

Ok, thank you. I have a 4 pole solenoid. Do I check the "S" pole or energy when the battery is off?

[CraigS]

Check the "S" pole for power after the hey is released. Usually it's the solenoid and the usual strong suggestion is get it at the ford dealer. This test will eliminate the ignition switch from being the problem although I think that is pretty rare.

[dforthof]

Craig is right, hook a test light from the "S" pole on your starter solenoid to battery ground, then start the car while watching the test light. If it stays lit after you have "let go" of the key (released it from the "start" position), then there is something wrong with the wiring or the ignition switch. If the light goes out right when you release the key and the starter keeps cranking, then it's a sticky solenoid (this is a very common problem).

[ksamson]

Ok, thank you