So, I was thinking that my ignition switch went bad. I went to start my '78 pickup, I turned the switch to 'Start', and when it did not start, I turned the key to 'Off'. I expected my truck to not continue to try to keep starting, but it just kept on turning over and over. It started and ran for a bit, but then died; it then went back to turning the engine over and over until I jumped out and yanked the negative cable from the battery. I was thinking that the ignition switch went bad, but then I remembered that there was no grinding sound coming from the starter when the engine ran for a couple of minutes. I was outside today, and everytime I put the negative on, the engine was turning over endlessly. I went into the cab and yanked the wiring for the ignition switch, and then put the negative back on, and it still tried to turn over. So, after scratching my head some , I then scratched my ass a little, and I could not think of what to do. So, I banged my head up against a wall , and then decided to read my Haynes repair guide. I am begining to think that a starter relay or something in the starter could be bad. I am not sure where the starter relay is located, anyone have any thoughts? Or, does anyone have any other idea as to what my issue could be?
i wouldn't worry about it! its a toyota.... it naturally wants to run forever! really i have no idea as why its happening. on my 64 impala it was the voltage regulator that made it do that.
How's the fuel pump? Mine gave out on me and turned over, started and died, then refused to start later (turning over). Try this to see if this is the issue... 1)put the truck's ignition switch in the on position, don't try to start 2)go to the fuel door, open the cap and listen for the sound of the pump, it'll easily be recognizable. Or is it just continuing to crank when you remove it from start?
so let me get this straight.. with the ignition switch disconnected and batt hooked up the starter will engage?
Just continuing to crank... Exactly! With the ignition switch disconnected, when I hook up the battery, the starter will engage itself. So, I guess I'll replace it!
So, where is this starter solenoid located?!? So, where is this starter solenoid located (or is there another name for it, or does someone have a picture/link that might help)?!?
On your truck, I'm not sure. The newer trucks have the solenoid located on the starter itself. There would be a positive wire running from the battery to the "Line" side of the contactor and small jumper run from the "Load" side to the starter motor. On some older vehicles it could be mounted on the fire wall or an inner fender as a seperately mounted solenoid. Sometimes smacking the solenoid with a hammer can loosen it back up...
oh hey, when we talked on the phone you were looking for a "relay". i bet it is internal to the starter as well. bet taking it apart and cleaning would prolly fix it.
Yeah I think you are right; I'm gonna get under the truck when the weather dries up and check out the starter. I might bang on it a few times with a hammer as Litneon suggested. If that doesn't help, I'll remove it and assess it from there. Thanks!
The thing about the hammer is that at best it will only fix it temporarily... ...and it's kinda ghetto.
I have similar issue. Can ya'll assist? Push in key, turn to on, everything is normal lights come on. turn to start and nothing............ No clicking....... no turning over....... Sometimes this happens and after some tries the truck will start. This past weekend I was in LA and the stupid truck wouldn't start for 30 minutes. So I sat and waited and tried every now and then. Any ideas?
might be a weak battery or starter going out..if not one of those it might be the key switch itself..