Engine/starter will not turn off when ignition is turned off.

FORD76460

MEMBER
1976 FORD F-250
7.5L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
53,000 MILES

I'm having trouble finding or how to find to what I assume is a short. The problem is: #1) when starting the truck, sometimes (not always but very often) the starter does not stop cranking. Even after the engine has started. #2) Again sometimes, but not always, when I turn off the ignition the engine will continue to run. I have to pull the terminal cable to kill the engine. I have replaced the ignition switch, replaced the starter and checked all the ground wires. Is there any easy way to find a short, or any solution to the problem? Also I keep blowing the fuse that controls the dome light and cigar lighter. Any help identifying these issues is greatly appreciated. I'm mechanic savvy but not that experienced.

1 Reply

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
3,094 POSTS

With the engine not running check the wire that goes to the starter from the ignition. With a static light it should light when you turn the key and go off after you stop cranking the truck or release the key. If not then I would look on the bottom of the steering wheel where they wires come down and make sure there is not a bare wire hitting another wire. What it sounds like is that there is a cross over that keeps the starter solonoid working when the key is shut off or engine running. If the light and cigarete lighter blows a fuse. Remove it and see if it happens. If so try disconnecting one fuse at a time to see if the problem is from the fuse box to the ignition.