So here is the problem first startup of the day I'll go out to start it and it will turn over and fire right up like usual, the problem the starter gets stuck on with the engine, not good. I can turn the key off and take it out of the ignition and the starter will still continue to crank for about 2-3 seconds what the heck is going on with this thing. I have never heard of anything like that before. It has been very cold here lately (hovering right around 0 degrees)could that contribute to the problem or is this something electrical?? After the initial startup it never does it again the rest of the day. This is perplexing. Please give me some ideas fellas. Thanks Matt <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Your solenoid is sticking.

I had a similar problem once, however I never fixed it and it went away. I blew a ground wire behind the dash. Before I found the fried ground wire, I tried to start the vehicle and the engine wouldn't quit trying to start even with the key out and me at the engine wondering what the heck to do. It never did it again. Hopefully somewill will chime in and tell us how to solve the problem. Good luck.

Sid

Could be dirt, moisture (water, grease, oil) inside he solenoid and that is causing the plunger to stick inside the bore. Or it could be a buildup of dirt and grease around the bendix gear and is making it slow to extend and retract.

The other likely cause is worn copper contacts inside the solenoid. They can cause a similar problem when they wear unevenly (and they always seem to do that) in that the plunger hits both contacts (they are on opposite sides) and if one side has worn lower, the plunger gets "cocked" inside the bore of the solenoid and can stick.

Some information on starter propblem troublshooting and repair. To rule out an electrical cause, rig up a volt meter or test light off the small solenoid control wire and then see if the next time it sticks, is it still getting power or not. IF so, electrical problem, if not, mechanical problem.

ok this is getting really bad. I know I'm going to smoke my starter. It does this everytime now after it sits atleast 6 hrs. Today it was -11 degrees here in Minot <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> so could just the cold weather alone cause it to do this?? or is it moisture in there that is freezing?? The thing is I dont want to end up buying a new starter just to have it do this too because of the extreme cold weather. Is there anyone else that lives in the extremes that has experienced this, Kewlynx maybe?? that could give some advice. Because I know getting stuck on for 5 seconds is not good and my starter is going to dump on me for good. Thanks much

Two options that I mentioned above. Volt meter on the control wire, if there is voltage present when it sticks on, then you have an electrical problem (bad switch, relay, etc.,) If no voltage present, pull the starter out and open it up for a look. Clean and inspect the solenoid, I'm guessing ti is crud inside it and/or worn contacts. It costs nothing to look at it and find out what is wrong. If worn contacts it is under $10 to repair. If its dirt, grease, moisture it costs nothing to repair, but you'll need to pull it out to see hwat's wrong. The sooner the better, since it will probably fry if you don't find out what is wrong and fix it.

true, true I guess I should brave the cold and dive in a little deeper. Thanks

It could be any one of the above things that have been mentioned, but unless someone's crystal ball is working, how can anyone tell the exact cause in your case? And even if you went the "get a new starter" route, you still have to pull the old one out.

Are you in the AF where you can use the Auto Skills shop and get out of the weather? I agree with 4Crawler tho'. You might have to go ahead and suck it up and pull it take it to a parts store for a bench check. If you get a NEW one, have it bench checked before you leave.

No, we usually don't have hang starts like that up here. Sounds like the solenoid is going. How long has this one been in the truck?

Hey kewlynx you guessed it what else would bring me to Minot. Yeah I'm in the AF workin on the b52's up here <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> but its not that bad. Anyways the autoskills shop here isnt all that reliable and is rarely open, I dont know I cant figure it out. However I do have a garage so I'll have to rip into some stuff. Fire up the space heater for sure it was -24 with the wind chill here today out on the flightline, ahhh first day of winter....right?? Anyways thanks for the input. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Matt