1965 Mustang starter/ignition problem

Jimsprings · 10-15-2009

I recently ran into a problem with my '65 Mustang where it suddenly died while running down the road. Upon trying to restart it smoke started coming out of the dash. I towed it home and upon inspection found that 2 wires on the back of the ignition switch are smoked. The one on the center post and the one to the right side of the starter solenoid. I recently replaced the ignition switch and had been driving it w/o any problems. Checking the solenoid it appears that 'S' and 'I' are shorted. Is this normal? This is a 289 w/alternator.

nick5m · 10-15-2009

It's not exactly a normal thing to occur. I would just replace the wires all the way through and the ignition switch and just keep an eye on it for a little while. Basically just keep aware of it. If you're really worried about it you can use a DVOM and test the amount of amps in those wires. But it's more than likely just one of those fluke deals that happens with electronics. Just sucks.

mustangdave2008 · 10-15-2009

Just a thought: when you replaced the switch, if it wasn't tightened down good, it could have rotated and allowed metal to metal contact behind the dash shorting it out. Don't ask why I thought of this.

cardudenerd · 10-15-2009

Howdy Mustangers and Jim from Lake Elsinore, I'm in Palm Springs.

Had a similiar problem with my iginition switch, it turned out that the solenoid had shorted out. I replaced the solenoid and checked the ignition switch wires that were getting hot before I changed the solenoid. It's been OK since the change.

I'd keep feeling the ingnition switch wires by reaching under the dash with the switch on to see if they continue to get hot. If they do you may have to replace the solenoid or trace the wires for a short.

Hope this helps

rbinck · 10-15-2009

Be aware that the ignition wire from the ignition switch to the firewall is a resistance wire. If you replace that wire with regular wire, you will need to add a coil resistor.

The Greek · 10-16-2009

My thinking is that the solenoid windings shorted out. Did you do a lot of cranking on the engine? The engine's starter system is designed to deliver maximum amperage to the starter for only a very short time. This is about 15 seconds of continual cranking. This isn't a fused circuit and something has to give if you have the solenoid and starter engaged too long.