New to the Trooper world and very confused. I just replaced the ignition switch because of these symptoms...

1. the starter engaged immediately when the switch was turned to the "On" position rather than all the way to the "Start" position.
2. the starter stayed on while in "Park"
3. starter seemed to disengage while in any gear
4. when shift lever was moved out of gear to either "Park" or "Neutral" the starter would try to engage and grind on the ring gear.

Now, with a new ignition switch it does the exact same thing!

I bought what I think is a factory manual (internet pdf) but it turned out to be a 1995 book with no bookmarks and it's very hard to use. Anyone have a clue to this? I'm stumped.

 

You have a short. The Neutral safety switch will keep the starter from engaging when in gear. It should not hold the starter out in Park or Neutral.
The problem is on the primary side of the starter relay.

Other possibilities might be adjustement to switch linkage, or something wired wrong. Did this ever work right? Has somebody rewired something? Added a stereo? (Thats a classic.)

2¢

CJ

 

Thanks CJ and it did work for a long time. I just picked up a wiring diagram yesterday agree that the transmission mode switch is working to keep the starter disengaged while in gear.

You're right that there may be a short and I'll test for that when I get back to the truck. But I'm going back there with a new starter relay as well just in case it's internally shorted.

Short testing will happen if that fails but for $10 it's a cheap test!

... and you're right about the stereo, but alarm systems make me crazy.