On my recent addition to the maverick stable I have a problem. When I start the car it seems like the starter continues running until I force the key back to disengage without turning the car off. Is there something stuck in the steering column or is it at the starter? any ideas? i do not want to mess up the fly wheel. Any suggestion as to how to check this out?
It sounds like you may be having trouble either in the key cylinder or possibly the electric switch that mounts on top of the column. I have had problems with both over the years. Sometimes the cylinder can start to seize which is usually easy to fix with a shot or two of wd40 or equivalent. If that's not it, you may need to change out the switch which is not too tough...just kinda hard to get to. If the problem is not inside, you possibly have a bad solenoid switch by the battery. Good luck and let us know what you find.
If it turns off with the key then it is not a solenoid problem. For some reason the switch is not returning to the run position after being in the start position. It could be the switch binding, the control rod binding between the key lock and the switch, or the key lock binding. You may be able to fix it with a spray lube or you may have to disassemble things and fix them. I would be willing to bet that the problem is in or on the streering column some place.
You have a problem in the column. Either the key lock is sticking, the rod is binding or the switch (located down the column from the key lock) is sticking. It is not a bad solenoid or mis-wired at the solenoid.
It seems that the problem is going to have to be inside since he said he is having to force the key back. At least, that's what I get from it...and I think Paul is on the same page.
IC. But, I seem to recall my Mustang did the same thing (starter would eventually disengage). It was just too similar to my situation for me not to say something. I'll go delete my 'mis-information' now.
Rick, don't feel bad - we all have days when we connect the dots wrong. No need to feel bad about trying to help. I have missed some things too - even on things I work on all the time. None of us are perfect.
I have noticed when it's cold down here that the key return to the "run" position after starting is a little sluggish. I have had to pull the cylinder towards me after starting on 2 or 3 of my Mavericks in the winter. [I guess it still beats turning a motor over with a crank handle]!
i actually expierenced that same thing yesterday morning in my maverick but it was really getting stuck bad. then again the car was covered with frost
had the same problem with the starter getting hung on the flywheel on my 73 four speed and it was the ignition switch box on the steering post ,under the dash !!!! easy fix !!!!
