Unregistered users may browse the website, but in order to participate in the forums and view select pages (such as "Club Contacts" and "Classified Ads") a user account is required. Click HERE to email the webmaster and request a free account. The National DeSoto Club uses real names rather than pseudonyms. Notify the webmaster of your user name preference (Johnathon Doe vs. John Doe, etc.), preferred email address, and password request.
As '55 Model Year Coordinator, I received the inquiry below from a Club member. I'm no expert on auto electrics, but I am confident that several of you can provide insight and recommendations regarding repairs. Following is the e-mail as submitted:
In attempting to start my De Soto today, I found that the starter motor continued to engage even after the ignition key was moved to the off position. During this time the engine started to engage, but was overridden by the starter motor. As I hurriedly sought a wrench and terminal puller to disconnect the battery, the starter motor stopped as if the connection providing current to it had ceased.
I would certainly appreciate your counsel as to what may be occurring and what action(s) I might take to address this situation.
Sincerely,
T.H. Parker
Could be a bad starter relay, worn ignition switch, or most likely the starter motor is worn and needs to be rebuilt.
Have a nice day
Steve
I would hook up two test lights at the relay. One hooked to the ign. terminal from the switch and one hooked to the sol. terminal to the starter. If you have power with the switch not in the start position then it's a bad switch. Power at the sol. terminal with the switch not in the start position means sticking relay. No power at either terminal but the starter is spinning means bad starter. I've seen more than one sticky ignition switch. It's supposed to spring back to the run position when released but doesn't quite do it and the starter will stay engaged. A little spray lube usually fixes that. Happened to me on an old BMW when I was late for a hot date. I didn't realized the starter was still engaged as I roared off but about 2 miles later the poor starter literally blew up!
Tim Mabry
The Lost Cause Garage
47 Suburban
57 Sportsman 4dr HT
Thanks Tim and Steve for your possible solutions. Anybody else have anything further to share before I forward this to the interested member?
Mark
