2.3L ('83-'97) 89 ranger won't stop cranking

[MsRanger]

My 89 Ford ranger 2.3 5 speed won't stop turning over after it's already running. It also won't stop unless I take off the battery cable. Can I install a push button start and bypass the ignition and if so how do I wire it up.?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

My guess is the fender relay (solenoid) is stuck closed. They are about $15 to replace.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Take a picture of how you have the solenoid wired and post it here. It could be wrong.

 

[MsRanger]

Take a picture of how you have the solenoid wired and post it here. It could be wrong.

 

[MsRanger]

Starter wire is on the left, + battery cable and to fuse box is on the right

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Ok, that looks right. Next test the small wire for +ve. It should only have power when the key is in start position. Not in run position.

 

[MsRanger]

Ok, that looks right. Next test the small wire for +ve. It should only have power when the key is in start position. Not in run position.

So you mean the red wire? Take it off and then turn key?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Yes, the small red wire. Take it off and test.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I have to go to work. Another possibility is the starter may a solenoid also and it is stuck closed. Hopefully someone else can help while I'm gone.

 

[MsRanger]

Yes, the small red wire. Take it off and test.

Before I do this, if it's a bad solenoid will it still try to crank?

 

[MsRanger]

Ok nothing when I took the red wire off

 

[RobbieD]

Is your starter solenoid bolted down to the fender apron?

It has to be securely mounted for the solenoid coil to have the ground it needs.

 

[RonD]

Yes, the red/blue stripe wire on the smaller "S" post comes from ignition switch in the cab

Hook up battery, if starter activates change the starter relay(in picture) its stuck closed

Battery still hooked up
If starter didn't activate then test Red wire
It should only have 12volts when key is turned to START
Remove red wire from starter relay
Turn the key to ON, starter should not active, with no red wire connected

We will assume the red wire has 12v in START since you CAN start engine but starter remains active with key back in RUN/ON position
But you can have a friend turn key to START while you test the Red wire for 12v, have them turn the key to START and then back to RUN./ON, and wiggle it a bit, could be ignition switch is not completely disconnecting 12volts to START when in RUN, longshot

While in the engine bay so you can disconnect battery cable, use a jumper wire from battery positive to Small "S" terminal on the relay
Key OFF
Relay should activate starter with 12v on the "S" terminal, then pull off the jumper wire from "S" terminal, starter motor should stop
Repeat this test a few times
If starter motor doesn't stop disconnect battery terminal cable, replace relay

This could be starter relay's internal spring not being strong enough to force a disconnection when red wire no longer has 12volts

 

[MsRanger]

Yes, the red/blue stripe wire on the smaller "S" post comes from ignition switch in the cab

Hook up battery, if starter activates change the starter relay(in picture) its stuck closed

Battery still hooked up
If starter didn't activate then test Red wire
It should only have 12volts when key is turned to START
Remove red wire from starter relay
Turn the key to ON, starter should not active, with no red wire connected

We will assume the red wire has 12v in START since you CAN start engine but starter remains active with key back in RUN/ON position
But you can have a friend turn key to START while you test the Red wire for 12v, have them turn the key to START and then back to RUN./ON, and wiggle it a bit, could be ignition switch is not completely disconnecting 12volts to START when in RUN, longshot

While in the engine bay so you can disconnect battery cable, use a jumper wire from battery positive to Small "S" terminal on the relay
Key OFF
Relay should activate starter with 12v on the "S" terminal, then pull off the jumper wire from "S" terminal, starter motor should stop
Repeat this test a few times
If starter motor doesn't stop disconnect battery terminal cable, replace relay

This could be starter relay's internal spring not being strong enough to force a disconnection when red wire no longer has 12volts

Ok I went and got a new starter relay so I'm fixing to try what you said. Will let you know in a few.

 

[MsRanger]

Ok I went and got a new starter relay so I'm fixing to try what you said. Will let you know in a few.

Quick question?? On the starter relay should the ignition wire go the the one on the bottom or the top? Cause there's an I on the smaller bottom terminal.