Starter Question

[Angie]

Hi, My truck decided to pull a not so funny on me today, the same thing my last truck did. The one I am driving now is a 91 2.9 litre 5 spd, just like my other truck other then it was a 1989. This is what happened in the other truck, turn it over and the starter wouldn't disengage, thought it was the voltage regulator changed that..... still did it. Today my lastest truck did the same, just wondering if this is common for these trucks? Now I take it I need to change the starter? We will probably try the voltage regulator first and hope thats the culprit, never did figure out the other truck it stopped doing it for some reason. Thanks in Advance.

Angie

 

[Mark_88]

Check the starter solenoid on the fender beside the battery (at least that is where it is on a 2.3) and check to see if the center between the two posts is broken...happened to mine...also check that the wires to the starter are tightened properly and not arching towards each other (not familiar with 2.9 starters but they may be similar)...

Mind did the same thing after I had trouble with starting it (repeat cranks) and it turned out to be the solenoid was pooched...just replaced it and all was good...

 

[Hawk1339]

Hi, My truck decided to pull a not so funny on me today, the same thing my last truck did. The one I am driving now is a 91 2.9 litre 5 spd, just like my other truck other then it was a 1989. This is what happened in the other truck, turn it over and the starter wouldn't disengage, thought it was the voltage regulator changed that..... still did it. Today my lastest truck did the same, just wondering if this is common for these trucks? Now I take it I need to change the starter? We will probably try the voltage regulator first and hope thats the culprit, never did figure out the other truck it stopped doing it for some reason. Thanks in Advance.

Angie

Exactly what do you mean by "the starter wouldn't disengage"? Is it that the motor wouldn't stop turning, it wouldn't draw back from the flywheel, or both?

 

[Mark_88]

Exactly what do you mean by "the starter wouldn't disengage"? Is it that the motor wouldn't stop turning, it wouldn't draw back from the flywheel, or both?

exactly...the starter motor just keeps trying to crank the motor, even when the motor is actually running...turning off the key generally doesn't stop it once it starts...and that is why there is an issue with either the solenoid or a shorted wire somewhere else...

 

[Hawk1339]

exactly...the starter motor just keeps trying to crank the motor, even when the motor is actually running...turning off the key generally doesn't stop it once it starts...and that is why there is an issue with either the solenoid or a shorted wire somewhere else...

The solenoid on the fender just energizes the solenoid mounted on the motor. The solenoid on the motor does two things: it pulls the driven gear into contact with the flywheel, and it activates a high current switch to turn the motor on.

If the motor is turning but NOT in contact with the flywheel, that sounds to me like the high current switch is stuck. That would call for replacement of the motor mounted solenoid, if you can get it by itself, or the entire starter motor assembly if you can't.

If the motor is turning but it is in contact with the flywheel, it could be either solenoid. If you have a voltmeter you could measure the voltage at the output of the fender solenoid. If, with the key in run (not start) there is 12V at the output of that solenoid, then it is probably sticking. If the motor still turns and there is no 12V at the fender solenoid output, then the motor mounted solenoid is probably sticking.

Here is a schematic of the starter motor circuit. The wire #32 comes from the keyswitch.

 

[Angie]

Hi, Thanks for the info, I having been driving around prepared for it to do it again (1/2" wrench to disconnect the battery : ) ). Hasn't done it since, with my last truck turning off the key did nothing when this happened in my truck now I hit the key again and it quit, not sure what it is its a pain when it is a one shot deal waiting to see what happens. I will however replace the solenoid on the fender. Another thing that I forgot to mention is that it does have a alarm system, Black widow. Didn't know this when we bought the truck just happened upon the systems button in the glove box, maybe its that as I have been setting it at night after my b/f 's truck was robbed. Never had alarm in any of my vehicles before so not sure what can go wrong with them, you would think the p.o. would of told me about it. Anyways thanks so much for taking the time to let me know about the starter/solenoid probs.

Angie

 

[Mark_88]

If it makes you feel better, my Zuki has an alarm system, but some idiot (P.O) cut all the wires trying to install the stereo...

Anyways, my starter did the same thing...ONCE...and it hasn't done it since...I even went out and bought those marine terminals that have a wingnut on them for quick removal...but I would not recommend them to anyone because they do not stay tight for some reason...

 

[shadetree]

The solenoid on the fender just energizes the solenoid mounted on the motor. The solenoid on the motor does two things: it pulls the driven gear into contact with the flywheel, and it activates a high current switch to turn the motor on.

If the motor is turning but NOT in contact with the flywheel, that sounds to me like the high current switch is stuck. That would call for replacement of the motor mounted solenoid, if you can get it by itself, or the entire starter motor assembly if you can't.

If the motor is turning but it is in contact with the flywheel, it could be either solenoid. If you have a voltmeter you could measure the voltage at the output of the fender solenoid. If, with the key in run (not start) there is 12V at the output of that solenoid, then it is probably sticking. If the motor still turns and there is no 12V at the fender solenoid output, then the motor mounted solenoid is probably sticking.

Here is a schematic of the starter motor circuit. The wire #32 comes from the keyswitch.

This description and schematic is for a PMGR starter. Her truck is a 91, and according to my diagrams, has the fender relay with electromagnetic starter. PMGR starters were used on all Rangers from 92 on.shady

 

[Hawk1339]

This description and schematic is for a PMGR starter. Her truck is a 91, and according to my diagrams, has the fender relay with electromagnetic starter. PMGR starters were used on all Rangers from 92 on.shady

In the case of a field coil starter the motor is on when the fender solenoid is energized. If the motor runs without engaging the flywheel then likely the pole shoe in the motor is jammed, but then probably you'd never get the engine to turn over.

With that alarm system there's no telling what she's got going on in there.