Ford: starter that will not quit, neutral safety switch, fuse block

Question
QUESTION: i have a 2000 ford explorer and as soon as i turn the key so the lights on the dash light up the starter will engage and will not stop until i turn the key to the off position

ANSWER: I suspect a problem with the ignition switch or a crossed wire.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: i replaced the ignition switch and still have the problem.  where do you suspect the wires could cross

Answer
Ok... wiring problems are a bit hit and miss, but here goes.

Locate the starter relay in the junction box under the hood.  Remove the relay and turn the key back on. If it starts , the power has to be coming into the yellow and blue wire between the relay and the starter. find the short and repair.

If it does not start, the power is coming in above this circuit, so... next step.
remove fuse #24 under dash. key on position... check for power on both sides of the fuse. you should have power on one side only.

To determine which side is at fault, probe fuse terminal side that does not have power while turning key to start position.  Does it now have power?

If it does not, then problem is between ignition switch and fuse block (red/ Lt Blu wire)

If it does, then short is in the fuse block to the clutch switch or neutral safety switch (wht/ pnk wire to pink wire) or from this switch to the starter relay (pink to tan/red wire)

you can disconnect the clutch switch/ neutral safety switch to see which side the short is in also.


Has any electrical device (GPS or Radio) been changed or added prior to this problem?