Starter is going haywire!!!!

[strings1732]

I replaced the starter and solenoid about a week ago due to this same issue. for a while it works perfectly. Then I will go to start it and the motor will start, but the starter continues to try and start the car. I can remove the key from the ignition and the starter will continue to turn over. Even while driving it will be trying to start the car. the starter is frying(literally it's smoking) and so is the solenoid(again, literally). The car is my 91 and it still has the solenoid on the fender. any ideas? Anyone had this issue before?

Edit: forgot to add, that if I disconnect the wire from the solenoid, the probem stops. The wire I have been disconnecting is the large wire towards the front of the car. I'm pretty sure it's the one that goes to the starter(but I'm not positive). Which leads me to believe I need to replace that wire.

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Since you've replaced both the starter and solenoid switch, my suspicion would be that your ignition switch is bad.

Next time this happens try punching the underside of the steering column where it meets the dash cowling a few times.

 

[TwistedD85]

I had the same problem myself when I replaced my entire starter but mine would try to start when I hit a bump or was just plain driving. Here's my thread: http://www.shoforum.com/showthread.php?t=96933 What I did was make sure all my cables were definitely not touching, checked all the wires for wear spots possible shorts and in my case I removed my starter terminal cap. I don't know why but I've never had a problem since I removed the cap.

 

[strings1732]

I have tried hitting the steering column, the starter, even the solenoid(all before replacement of course), to no avail. I have also pulled the wire from the top of the solenoid(the little one that comes from the ignition) with no change in the sporadic behavior. I'm gonna try replacing the wire that I have disconnected. I'm hoping that it has been worn through and is now grounding out. If that's the case, should be an easy fix, but I'll have to get in there and check... Any other ideas? I'm heading to work now, so it'll probably be tomorrow when I can get in there and look.

 

[yamahaSHO]

Scott, you could do a continuity test to see if the wire is grounding out anywhere.

Did this problem with your aluminum battery bracket that allowed the battery to shift???

 

[strings1732]

Scott, you could do a continuity test to see if the wire is grounding out anywhere.

Did this problem with your aluminum battery bracket that allowed the battery to shift???

no the aluminum bracket didnt cause this. I have since redone the bracket and it is no longergiving me issues. The continuity test mihgt work, but again, it's not happening all the time so I dont know...

 

[yamahaSHO]

I figured you fixed it, however, when did it start? If it started that night I found the bracket touching the leads, that might give you a place to start...

 

[strings1732]

That night was the first night it happened. It was fine for about 3 weeks after I fixed it(the bracket was fixed the day I fixed the starter). I just got in there and took everything apart. The starter is shot, again, and the solenoid probably could use replacement, again... The wire from the solenoid to the positive on the starter is in pretty bad shape, but was not grounding out anywhere. I'm going to wrap it in electrical tape though, just to be safe. The other battery cables seem to be in perfect shape. I've got a spare solenoid and the starter is a lifetime warranty.

But my question is this. Is there a way to bypass the solenoid and do a starter button? that would eliminate the ignition switch and the solenoid. then, I'm pretty sure my problems would be solved...

 

[strings1732]

for now, I'm going to get a push button and wire it to the solenoid, with the ignition switch disconnected from it.. I'll see if its the ignition switch, or something in the column. Which might make some sense, since my turn signals work intermittently as well. I have to hit the steering wheel for them to work most of the time, and even then they dont work sometimes...