Starter constantly engaged, even when key’d off (1 Viewer)

[BGMachine]

Hey all, I’m in need of help. I’ve never seen a car do this before. I went out to start my car and initially when I turned the key, nothing would happen. I twisted it a couple times and then it started but something didn’t sound right and the A/T light, oil light, and brake light were on. So I turned it off but the starter was still cranking the engine! It won’t stop unless I disconnect the battery. Has anyone ever seen this happen? I have no idea what’s going on. Maybe a short? It was fine earlier today. Thanks for the help!

 

[paulzak]

Stuck solinoid. Buy a kit from Amazon, remove starter, clean out the gunk and put in the new plunger and contacts. I seal the cover with a little rtv to keep out moisture but I'd be interested in knowing if anyone else does this. I use a small amount of silicon to lubricate the plunger.

Correction! Don't use silicon paste; it gums up and causes sticking. I'm now using dry graphite lube. Too soon to know if this is the answer but I sure want to correct my previous post. P

 

[george_tlc]

^ Yep, contacts are welding/sticking to the solenoid plunger.

REPLACE contracts/solenoids ASAP. You risk damage to battery/wiring/starter if you don't fix this ASAP.

Here's my write up from a few years ago: Starter Motor Contacts

... and a swift wack on the starter/solenoid assy may release the stuck solenoid.

cheers,
george.

 

[mudgudgeon]

Yep agreed with above.
Mine did this recently. A sharp TAP on the solenoid with a hard object often shakes them loose.
Beware, if a tap shakes it loose it's a short term solution. Expect it to happen again in very short order

 

[Tools R Us]

Don't run it with the starter stuck! The engine turns the starter much faster than it's rated for, the armature can come apart, causing a direct to battery short,,, FIRE!

 

[BGMachine]

ok so it sounds like it's the solenoid contacts. Judging by the fact that everyone is saying to rebuild it, they aren't readily available? This is my primary car at the moment so I really need to try to get it working tomorrow. Thanks for the replies all.

 

[maxamillion2345]

If its an OEM denso starter, keep it and rebuild. Pay the core and buy an autozone or whatever starter for now.

 

[Tools R Us]

The contact kits are readily available, stealer or aftermarket. Or replace the starter, in that case the DENSO 2800169 is a great choice.

 

[BILT4ME]

You can get an aftermarket one at O'Reilly's that will get you there quickly, but if the one you have has a TOYOTA or DENSO sticker on it, do NOT turn it in as a core. Keep it and rebuild it for some time in the future.

Some here will say it takes 30 minutes to change a starter. It took me 2-1/2 hours, so there's that. Easier if you remove the LF wheel. Use jack stands if you do.

Definitely do this sooner than later. A stuck solenoid can cause a fire. This happened recently to another 'Mud member and his truck was a total loss. Unhook your battery until then to PREVENT a fire until you can get it replaced.

O'Reilly is a remanufactured starter. Ultima P/N R712645A (2.0 or 2.2 kW)

 

[Comet]

Common occurrences. That is the primary reason I have a 10mm wrench in the driver door pocket. To disconnect the battery as quick as possible. Glad nothing serious such as a fire happened.

 

[BGMachine]

ok so the parts store guys are saying there's a standard motor and a cold weather motor. Is there any quick way to tell the difference?

 

[BILT4ME]

The cold weather ones are NLA.

Go with standard. Should be a 2.0 kW

If at O'Reillys, use the p/n I gave otherwise have them cross reference it.

 

[BGMachine]

The cold weather ones are NLA.

Go with standard. Should be a 2.0 kW

If at O'Reillys, use the p/n I gave otherwise have them cross reference it.

NLA? what's that mean?
I figured I'll play it safe and get both and just return the one that doesn't match. One of the guys said there's a length difference? I'll have them cross reference the number you gave while I'm there as well. Thanks for the info

 

[BILT4ME]

Don't get the small one.

NLA=No Longer Available

 

[BGMachine]

Ol, got it all replaced. The one that came off was some reman unit that didn’t have any ID aside from “remanufactured” stamped on the side. Thanks for the help all! I would’ve been chasing that for ages!