6.0L starter engages when ignition in Run position
I have an '03 F350 6.0L FX4 supercrew that I bought used with 110,000 miles about 1-1/2 years ago. I just replaced the alternator for the 2nd time in that period. After replacing the 2nd alternator yesterday I now find that the starter engages when I put the ignition cylinder into the Run position to heat the glow plugs. First time this has happened and it did not do this prior to replacing alternator.
Did some research and could not find exactly the same problem so I went a little futher in testing. Tried Run position again and starter engaged, then proceeded to Start position with same starter engagement result (no lapse between Run and Start... continuous starter engagement). When releasing key it did return to Run position with starter still engaged. Turned key to Off position and starter disengaged and no other "sounds" of relays, solenoids etc still being engaged.
I found one thread that was similar to this but no final diagnoses was listed. A couple of items raised were: remote starter failing (I don't have one), replace ignition switch (I did last night with no change in condition), replace starter solenoid and/or starter relay. I have not done either of these but will likely go to store and buy both and replace cheaper one first then more expensive. I don't want to replace the starter and don't think this is related because the starter will stop engaging when key is Off.
Last thought, this morning, after the truck had sat untouched for about 12 hours, I tried starting again and ignition acted normally, that is, the Run position did not try to engage the starter and did engage the glow plugs. It was a little warmer this morning (20F) than last night (10F) so not sure if this has anything to do with it. Unfortunately, the batteries were drained too much to get engine to turn over but the glow plugs did engage and time out as normal. Start position then engaged starter but, again, not enough juice to turn over.
Now, just an hour ago, I tried again and temp is 24F but the original condition returned with starter engaging in Run position.
Any thoughts on this? I am stumped. I appreciate any advice on this.
I have an '03 F350 6.0L FX4 supercrew that I bought used with 110,000 miles about 1-1/2 years ago. I just replaced the alternator for the 2nd time in that period. After replacing the 2nd alternator yesterday I now find that the starter engages when I put the ignition cylinder into the Run position to heat the glow plugs. First time this has happened and it did not do this prior to replacing alternator.
Did some research and could not find exactly the same problem so I went a little futher in testing. Tried Run position again and starter engaged, then proceeded to Start position with same starter engagement result (no lapse between Run and Start... continuous starter engagement). When releasing key it did return to Run position with starter still engaged. Turned key to Off position and starter disengaged and no other "sounds" of relays, solenoids etc still being engaged.
I found one thread that was similar to this but no final diagnoses was listed. A couple of items raised were: remote starter failing (I don't have one), replace ignition switch (I did last night with no change in condition), replace starter solenoid and/or starter relay. I have not done either of these but will likely go to store and buy both and replace cheaper one first then more expensive. I don't want to replace the starter and don't think this is related because the starter will stop engaging when key is Off.
Last thought, this morning, after the truck had sat untouched for about 12 hours, I tried starting again and ignition acted normally, that is, the Run position did not try to engage the starter and did engage the glow plugs. It was a little warmer this morning (20F) than last night (10F) so not sure if this has anything to do with it. Unfortunately, the batteries were drained too much to get engine to turn over but the glow plugs did engage and time out as normal. Start position then engaged starter but, again, not enough juice to turn over.
Now, just an hour ago, I tried again and temp is 24F but the original condition returned with starter engaging in Run position.
Any thoughts on this? I am stumped. I appreciate any advice on this.
