Car Question - 1989 Ford Mustang GT

[Reefd Up]

My first car (and still my car) is a 1989 Ford Mustang GT. It has 260,000 miles on the original engine and frame (but has a new transmission...AOD).

The problem started about a year ago. When I would turn the key in the ignition, the lights on the dash would come on, but the car wouldn't start. If I tried it more than once, the lights wouldn't even come on anymore...just dead.

I was told it was a bad starter solenoid (fender mounted), so I replaced that. No problems.  About 6 months later, it did it again. Replaced that one too. At some point in there, the actual starter died as well, so I replaced that too. Well, to make a long story short, I've been through about 4 starter solenoids...so I'm wondering what's causing my car to eat through them.

Then, a couple of months ago, as I was leaving work, I tried to start the car. When I turned the key, the car kept trying to start and made a horrible metallic noise...so I removed the key from the ignition...and it still kept trying to start! Before I could disconnect the battery, the starter solenoid was totally melted, the battery terminals were slightly melted, and so were some of the starter cables. I replaced the battery, starter solenoid, and wiring all over again.

It's still happening!! Where should I be looking for the source of the problem? My next best guess is the ignition switch (but I don't think that explains the solenoid problem.)  Is the car continuing to start with the key removed a separate issue from the car eating through solenoids?

Thanks for any help!
Nikki

[ohioreef]

Sounds to me like the ignition switch. Also possible the solenoid stuck in a closed position.

[Blown76mav]

I would have to agree with Gary, bad ignition switch, located on the steering column.  It has shorted so it is always sending power to the starter solenoid (stuck in the closed position)  Quite common.

Should be less than 10 dollars part number LS514 at Autozone.  It could be that yours in out of adjustment as well, but I doubt it.  To adjust look on steering column, there should be two nuts holding it on, (do this with battery disconnected)  loosen them and slide ignition switch up or down.   There should be a rod that goes into it, as you turn the key this rod pushes a lever in the ignition switch.  If when you loosen the nuts the switch springs down then it has worked its way up and is in a on position.  Look up the part and you will see what your looking for.

Call me if you have any trouble.

[slandis3]

Ok a few things to check.
1 these cars had a problem with the high beam wire melting and shorting out. This wire is inside the steering column. It can short out the ignition switch.

2 if the car has aftermarket full length headers it will tend to over heat the starter.

3 get an oem solenoid. The part store stuff doesn't seam to hold up with them.

I replaced my solenoid twice. Broke the factory one. got one from pepboys , it went out a month later. went back to a factory one. had 60000 on it when I got rid of the car.

[Joel]

I agree that the switch is an area to check out.

Your all overlooking the the main problem though...it's a ford

[slandis3]

I agree that the switch is an area to check out.

Your all overlooking the the main problem though...it's a ford

Hey nobody asked you chevy boy 

[ohioreef]

Now now boys.....take it to the Political forum!!  LOL

[Secondgen]

Also make sure your grounds are clean Nikki.

[pontiac2002gtp]

I agree with getting a quality solenoid the ones you pick up from autozone or advance aren't worth installing unless you want practice cause your gonna get plenty of it.  Check for any shorts in the wiring.  I've had good luck with a napa gold starter I'm suprised it hasn't burnt up with my headers laying right against it.  If it keeps starting the starter engaged even with a new solenoid it has to be the ignition switch or the wiring is shorted to battery voltage.  Will it try to start in gear?  If you need a hand I could come help one weekend.