Starter Staying Engaged (4 Viewers)

[Drogon]

I noticed today while starting my engine the starter stays engaged after the engine starts. It appears to try to continue starting the engine for about 1 sec. after the engine is running. The sound I hear is the same as if I turned my key to start the 100 after the engine was already running.

Based on these brief description above, I am thinking I will need a new starter soon. How long can I get by with something like this, and can it cause a fire if I continue using the vehicle with the damaged starter? Should I replace the starter contacts as well, or do they come packaged with a new starter?

I recently had my ignition switch replaced about two months ago.

 

[flintknapper]

I noticed today while starting my engine the starter stays engaged after the engine starts. It appears to try to continue starting the engine for about 1 sec. after the engine is running. The sound I hear is the same as if I turned my key to start the 100 after the engine was already running.

Based on these brief description above, I am thinking I will need a new starter soon. How long can I get by with something like this, and can it cause a fire if I continue using the vehicle with the damaged starter? Should I replace the starter contacts as well, or do they come packaged with a new starter?

I recently had my ignition switch replaced about two months ago.

The starter 'contacts' are in the solenoid on your starter. There are a couple of reasons your starter could stay engaged, both involve removing the starter to address. A brief overrun of the starter engagement is not likely to cause a fire hazard, but it will eventually wear either the ring gear on your flexplate or the bendix gear on your starter.

Depending on why the starter is staying engaged and the general condition of the starter you might be able to have it repaired as opposed to replacing it.

I chose to replace mine and rebuild the original to keep for a spare.

I'm sure you are aware the starter is up under the intake manifold in 'V' of the block. Not a lot of fun to get to. Be sure and check the heater Tee's and hoses when the manifold is off, easy to replace them (if needed) at that point.

 

[2001LC]

I always start at last job done, if possibly related. Your replacement ignition switch may be sticking.

 

[Drogon]

The starter 'contacts' are in the solenoid on your starter. There are a couple of reasons your starter could stay engaged, both involve removing the starter to address. A brief overrun of the starter engagement is not likely to cause a fire hazard, but it will eventually wear either the ring gear on your flexplate or the bendix gear on your starter.

Depending on why the starter is staying engaged and the general condition of the starter you might be able to have it repaired as opposed to replacing it.

I chose to replace mine and rebuild the original to keep for a spare.

I'm sure you are aware the starter is up under the intake manifold in 'V' of the block. Not a lot of fun to get to. Be sure and check the heater Tee's and hoses when the manifold is off, easy to replace them (if needed) at that point.

Thanks for the details, this is helpful.

 

[Drogon]

I always start at last job done, if possibly related. Your replacement ignition switch may be sticking.

How would someone diagnose if it is sticking?

 

[Ayune]

How would someone diagnose if it is sticking?

The ignition switch controls the starter relay, which in turn controls the starter itself.

To determine if the switch is sticking I’d remove the starter relay and probe the contacts in the relay base that come from the switch. If they follow the action of the key exactly then the switch is ok. If there’s some delay in relation to key movement, the switch is funny.

 

[Ayune]

Here is the starter electrical diagram for a ‘98 LC. I would guess yours is similar.

 

[Drogon]

I will check the relay as well. Thanks Ayune!

I have noticed the vehicle takes about one sec longer to turn over than it should. Seems to crank a little longer, along with the starter staying engaged. I am thinking this is pointing to a tired worn starter. Hopefully not an alternator issue as well...

The battery is fairly new...

 

[2001LC]

If you're saying; it take both 1 second after IG key turned to start position before cranking begins and starter keeps cranking for 1 second after starting. This would indicate a lag in signal to starter and from. This does not indicate a IG switch/key or any starter issue I can think of. I've not seen this before, but could be indication of a sticky relay.

 

[Drogon]

If you're saying; it take both 1 second after IG key turned to start position before cranking begins and starter keeps cranking for 1 second after starting. This would indicate a lag in signal to starter and from. This does not indicate a IG switch/key or any starter issue I can think of. I've not seen this before, but could be indication of a sticky relay.

I could have described this better, it seems to be cranking longer to start the engine. Along with the starter staying engaged after the engine has started. There is not a delay from the turn of the key.

 

[2001LC]

OH, Okay!.

Long crank;
If we assume you've a well tuned engine (MAF sensor clean, throttle body clean, good battery and post clean & greased, all vacuum lines including PCV valve in good condition with no vacuum leaks anywhere, clean air filter, good spark plugs and coils including boots). Then Long crank to start or difficult start is often due to fuel injectors leaking down as vehicle sits (not running). It can also be starter signal circuit or fuel pump control circuit, these assume cold start condition. If difficult to start (long crank) after warm-up, FSM also adds compression to the suspect area. We must also consider loose spark plugs. I've found our spark plugs are walking out and need re-torquing. Spark plugs Alert Alert Alert!

long crank and starter hanging:
So is your rig well tuned?
Does engine seem too crank slow while trying to start?
How long has long crank condition be going on?
Are these starter conditions both present after engine has warm up?
Does OAT (outside air temp) make any difference?
Does your rig have rust/corrosion or any indicating it's was from rust belt?
What is reading on your battery gauge before and after warm up?
At anytime when you turn key to start position, does nothing happen (no crank)?
Is idle normal?
Do you drive it daily or occasionally?
Why was IG switch replaced?

So if new IG switch checks out as working good and not sticking (you should feel it spring back from start position). Then as @flintknapper said; there are a couple of reasons where the starter itself may be the issue for "hanging".