93 explorer starter relay wiring

[Ree86bronco302]

Can anyone tell me the correct way the wires on the starter relay are supposed to go. the way i have it hooked up, when i hit the ignition, the starter turned over the engine but stayed activated and was stuck in the flywheel. I think i had the switch hooked up to the constant and i just wanted to know what color wires go where?

[mr23mr]

please let me know if anyone helps you with this issue because I have a '93 ford explorer with the EXACT issue and I can not locate the wiring diagram as well

[asemstr]

If you mean the relay on the fender I'll take a whack at it! The OEM relay has 3 terminals (2 large, 1 small) and should be wired like so: full time hot loads & + batt cable to 1 large terminal. Ign switche lead to small terminal. Starter cable to remaining large terminal. Aftermarket relays may have 4 terminals ( 2 large. 2 small) They are wired the same on the large teminals, but you need only 1 of the small for the switche lead. The relay should come with instructions for 3 term application installs! If not use trial and error to select the right one! Good Luck!

[mr23mr]

Ok, thanks for the information....... it seems to be wired correctly but I still have the same issue as if the starter will not disengage when I start the truck- which starts up with no problems, turns over great. I can turn the ignition switch while the truck is running, as if trying to crank it while it is on, and that seems to disengage the starter but when I release the switch to let ot return to the ON position, the starter reengages with the fly wheel... HELP ME, what is my issue, again, I have tried a different starter and relay

[asemstr]

mr23mr sounds like your ignition switche is shorting out internally! Disconnect the ign wire from the relay and check it for power with the key in the run position. If its hot in the run position you've got a short in the switche.

[mr23mr]

Originally Posted by asemstr

mr23mr sounds like your ignition switche is shorting out internally! Disconnect the ign wire from the relay and check it for power with the key in the run position. If its hot in the run position you've got a short in the switche.

the ignition wire is the wire attached to the smallest post on the fender wall relay correct? and if the switch does need to be replaced, I am a novice but willing to tackle, can you give me some instructions on how to remove or at least locate the Ignition Switch, it would be greatly appreciated.

[mr23mr]

I replaced the ignition switch and now when I try to start, relay just clicks once. I know I must have disconnected another cable while removing and reinstalling the ignition switch but I can not find where, please help....aarrrgghhhhh!!!

[asemstr]

Did your battery go dead?

[mr23mr]

Originally Posted by asemstr

Did your battery go dead?

My battery was fine, I located the issue, a cable going to the starter was not secure...BUT, my starter still will not disengage....so I have replaced the relay, the starter, and the ignition switch.....I gues I will just replace my cables now, if you have any suggestions, please let me know!!

[asemstr]

Hate to sound like a broken record, but were you able to check for power at the switche terminal wire of the relay while the switch should be in the run position? Try disconnecting it from the relay after the engine starts and see if the starter stops. Make sure the ignition lock cylinder's range of motion is normal. I've come across a few cylinders that stopped before they returned to the correct "RUN" mode position! GOOD LUCK!

[mr23mr]

I have not checked for power at the switch terminal wire of the relay....is this the wire on the fender wall relay that you just push on or pull off? .... I have pulled that wire off after starting the truck but the starter remained engaged..... My iginition lock cyclinder does have a lot of play in it, more than normal.....but I can turn the ignition switch to the start position once the truck is running and then the starter seems to disengage

[asemstr]

Sorry to say it, but you may need to have it checked by a mechanic because theres only so much I can do without running some tests on your vehicle in person. The fact that the starter is still getting power could indicate a component failure, or improper installation but I can't pin it down from where I'm sitting. Let me know what you find out!