What's wrong with my starter?

[leif2002]

I'm trying to fix my neighbors 94 Exploer and I'm having a little problem.

I told him I would replace the starter but once I got the new starter installed I realized it was just bad battery cabels. So, I replaced the cabels and put the old starter back in but the gear in the starter would not dis-engage when I turned the car on. I put the new starter back in and I'm having the same problem, the gear will not dis-engage.

Does anyone know what would cause this problem?

Does anyone have the wiring diagram for the battery to starter for this explorer?

I even called a Ford mechanic and he didn't know what would cause this problem.

Thanks,
Leif

EDIT: It's a V6 5 Speed, if that makes a difference.

 

[monkeydude3]

Does it stay engaged as in energized or just engaged and being pulled by the engine? It sounds like it could just be mis adjusted or your relay is sticking for the starter. I would say the solenoid, but since the new one does it as well it could be the relay

 

[monkeydude3]

By the way I have a 1994 with a 5 speed manual transmission ;-)

 

[leif2002]

Does it stay engaged as in energized or just engaged and being pulled by the engine? It sounds like it could just be mis adjusted or your relay is sticking for the starter. I would say the solenoid, but since the new one does it as well it could be the relay

I can't tell how it's staying engaged. When I turn the car on it cranks, starts and then about 1/4 second later you can hear the starter making noises, as if being help in place by the flywheel. I've pulled it out and tried realligning it several times with no luck. Is there a certian trick to getting it lined up right.

Thanks,
Leif

 

[jasonb]

do you have a twin?

 

[monkeydude3]

I don't believe so. I'd investigate the relay to the starter. That may be getting stuck on.

 

[leif2002]

Where is this relay located?

Thanks,
Leif

 

[jtison]

Checked the Bendix drive? (dunno if XLTs even have one, but I'd assume so) The drive gear should move *freely* on the shaft in response to pressure, and it should snap back into place when you release that pressure. If it doesn't, try lubing it or replacing the entire Bendix drive (yick).

Peace,
--Jim--

 

[DeRocha]

So does the starter keep on cranking after you release the key or does it get hung up by the flywheel? I would disconnect the fuel pump cut off switch located under the glove box behind the rug. This will allow you to crank the starter without having the engine fire up. If the starter keeps cranking after you release the key then the starter solenoid located next to the battery would be suspect (as would be the ignition).

 

[monkeydude3]

Sounds like the relay or the solenoid. The solenoid is next to the battery and the relay is probably in the relay box under the hood