I have a 1984 Ford E-150. The start position on the ignition switch will not operate the starter. I have been starting the van by connecting a wire from one of the small terminals on the starter relay to the positive terminal on the battery. Could this problem be associated with a repair part other than the ignition switch? "302 engine"
It sounds like you have a bad solenoid. That's the "starter relay" you are talking about.
If he goes from a "small" terminal to positive he is energizing the solenoid. The solenoid works. The fault is that it is not getting energized through the usual path from the ignition switch etc. probably a bad switch or possibly a bad wire or connection in the circuit.
Charlie
Neutral safety switch is a place to start. With an assistant and a test light, the original poster should easily isolate the cause.
MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.