Starter keeps running

PJB · Oct 13, 2007

Lately my car's starter keeps running even after the car is started.
To stop it from running I need to rev the motor up high and then its fine.
It seems to happen more often in cool and/or damp weather.

I replaced the starter solenoid on the fender tonight and nothing changed.

Whats the problem?

jrichker · Oct 13, 2007

When it happens, pull the small red/blue wire off the starter solenoid. If it stops, the ignition switch is faulty. If it does not, either the starter solenoid has stuck the contacts toether or the starer is dragging. and not releasing.

ttop88 · Oct 13, 2007

Is it a mini starter? If so make sure that the starter wire and battery wire are on the same post. If it is wired like the big starter it will do as you describe.

PJB · Oct 13, 2007

Its the stock starter.
I pulled the red and blue wire off and it still does the same thing.

The starter keeps cranking even after I pull the key out of the ignition.

I just had a neighbor that works on cars look at it and he seems to think its the ignition switch sticking on.

He had me turn the key to the on position (not start) and jump the terminals of the solenoid to start it.
Even when doing that the starter stays on.

ttop88 · Oct 13, 2007

I would second the swith.

PJB · Oct 13, 2007

I just took it out and Im going to get a new one in a few. Hopefully Ill be able to fix this issue today.

jrichker · Oct 13, 2007

The red/blue wire is the power from the ignition switch that turns the starter solenoid on. When you remove it, the starter solenoid has no power for the electromagnet that closes the stater solenoid contacts. If it keeps running after you remove the red/blue wire, the ignition switch is not the problem.

Typical start circuit...
Diagram courtesy of Tmoss &Stang&2birds

From your last post, the starter is dragging, or it is a miswired mini starter.

PJB · Oct 13, 2007

I did find out its definately not the ignition switch after replacing it (didnt see your post before I went and got it).

Its not a mini starter so I can rule that out.

Should I just replace the starter? Id hate to spend $100 on a part that might or might not fix the problem.

MahFiVeOh · Oct 13, 2007

It seems like this is happening alot lately.I had the same issue last year.

Check your PM's PJB.

HISSIN50 · Oct 13, 2007

If you have a stick, a bad ignition switch will likely show up as having the starter re-engage when you depress the clutch pedal. Otherwise, the start signal doesnt get past the Clutch safety switch.

That said, replacing the ignition switch is normally never a bad thing.

I second getting more info on your exact starter set-up and how it's wired. Are there any funny noises when it happens? Is the starter bolted in tight? Do you have an extra motor ground? If not, Jrichker can tell you how to do it - having grown up in rain and snow country, I can tell ya how many issues arise from bad ground pathways when it's wet outside.

Good luck.

PJB · Oct 14, 2007

I dont have a clutch so thats not it (aod car).
My starter is the stock one and is wired up the stock way.
As far as I know the bolts are tight but Ill double check them just in case tomorrow.
Theres really no funny noises except the spinning of the starter motor when this happens. No knocks, clunks, clicks, etc.
Im pretty sure the grounds are all where theyre supposed to be.

andyctgt · Oct 14, 2007

my car did this about a month ago and it was the negative battery cable, like u said all grounds apeared to be ok, but someone suggested this to me as the problem so i changed the wire ,and the car fired right up and the starter turned off like it is supposed to.

baldy1 · Oct 14, 2007

Dude change the starter. Jrichker is right look at the wiring diagram. It tells you there. He is the man when you have an electrical prob

PJB · Oct 15, 2007

How hard is it to replace?

PJB · Oct 16, 2007

I took the starter out today and got it tested.
It tested fine unfortunately.
Now what?

68keyblr · Oct 16, 2007

PJB said:
How hard is it to replace?

Fairly easy, I replaced mine in about 30 minutes. The top bolt is a little hard to get to but there's a hole in the inner fender you can stick your arm through to get to it. A mini socket wrench or a swivel head box end wrench really comes in handy for that top bolt but you can do without.

Just remove the passenger side front tire to make it easier and it's a snap

PJB · Oct 16, 2007

I already got it out but it seems like the starter is ok.
It was fairly easy to get out actually.

jrichker · Oct 16, 2007

A starter with a dragging Bendix that does not disengage will often pass the bench test.
Look at the starter and flywheel gear teeth. Wear on them indicates the starter Bendix
isn't pulling back, allowing the starter to drag and continue to run when the engine fires off.

baldy1 · Oct 16, 2007

You said that when u pull the red/blue wire off the solenoid that the starter kept on turrning. If it does then the bendix in the starter is bad. Just because it checked out fine. Their is a bushing in the nose of the starter if that bushing is worn bad when the starter gear engages it gets caught on the flywheel. I have seen it before. Been there. Change the starter. Then let us know what happened

PJB · Oct 16, 2007

I didnt know that and apparently the guy at Advance didnt either because he told me there was nothing wrong with my starter.

I really didnt notice any wear on the gear on the starter and couldnt see the flywheel in the position I was in when I replaced the starter.

Of course I put the starter back in the car already.

So is replacing the starter what I should do?
I cant afford to keep throwing parts at this car.

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