Can't kill my engine (even if I really want to) ;)

[LaGuardia]

Maybe...
I think it's worth one look, thank you, I completely forgot about the ignition switch... I focused on what is under the hood

Anyways, the new solenoid has arrived (I love Rockauto, they shipped from Indiana on july 21 and it arrived here - Rome, Italy! this evening).

I'll replace the old one, and do the whole check. I'll keep you updated, thank you again !

[carnuck]

It sounds like the I and S terminals are swapped. Not enough power in the resistor wire to keep the solenoid engaged.

[LaGuardia]

Ok, solved !
Thank you all for your suggestions, it was easier than I thought. The "new" solenoid was just shot (again)...
AND, the neutral switch is gone, too... the two things happened at the same time, causing much more trouble than they were supposed to, if taken separately...

Anyways, new solenoid (this time made in USA - the last one was from China), additional direct ground wire, and everthing is fine again !

Completely OT pic below, but hey, that's me and my Eagle !

[LeesSummitEagle]

I have also had the exact same problem with the key off not killing the engine. I also did the same thing and by accident hit the start with engine running. You are right, it does make a horable noise. It has happened to me several times and very intermittent. I got the engine stopped by opening the hood and slaming it closed. The engine stopped. If it happens again, i will ckeck the starter sol.

[88formula]

This doesn't add up.....

The nuteral switch and the starter solenoid are part of the starting circuit. There shouldn't be any reason that ether one would keep the engine running.... if it's a manual transmission, the solonoid is grounded to the body. If it's auto it comes in to the nuteral switch and grounds through that. Power is supplied to the s terminal from the ignition switch. Next circuit is the coil power. It comes from the ignition power in the run position only. And is a resistor wire to the starter relay, then to the coil. The starter relay SHOULD HAVE NO effect on the power to the coil in the run position. Start the car and unplug it. No difference.  Then when you turn the key to the start otion, no per goes through the resistor wire from the switch,  it gets full battery voltage from the solonoid I Terminal to the coil.
The last circuit is the easy one.  When the key is in start position and the solonoid winding is energized, Power goes from the battery, through the solonoid and to the starter motor.

It's a long shot, but the only way I could see the solonoid causing the continued to run issue is if the plunger inside was Jammed part way, ONLY supplying power to the I terminal. But the only time I've seen a solonoid jam, the starter was running until you disconnected the battery.
Ps. The starter engaging while the engine is running is a terrible sound, BUT NOTHING MAKES YOU PANIC LIKE A STARTER THAT DOESN'T STOP STARTING WHEN YOU LET GO OF THE KEY!!!

[Sandeagle]

I get some weirdness in starting and shutdown when I wiggle the key in the ignition and ignition in the column. All kinds of strange stuff happens!! Radio stayed on headlights stayed on and the buzzer didn't come on.

[carnuck]

Starter nose bushing that is worn out or low battery can cause the solenoid contacts to weld themselves and keep cranking.

[LaGuardia]

OH, NO, Not Again !

Hi everybody, long time no see, happy to find you all again here !

Facing an "old-new" issue with my starting system, I'm afraid this time I know the answer but I'm writing about it just in case somebody pops up with a miracle solution...

To make a long story short, turning the ignition key results sometimes in actually starting the engine (starter running great and fast as it should, engine firing up perfectly), sometimes in a strange buzzing sound from the solenoid and nothing else, sometimes in a single loud "click" from the starter motor and... well... nothing else.

This has been going on for a couple of months, at first the success percentage was quite high, I didn't bother messing up with wires, but now the engine starts one time out of 20-30 tries. And that's no good. Today I had to leave the car at work and walk home...

It's the "loud click and nothing else" case. The battery is brand new (the old one was shot anyway, I bought a new one hoping it was its fault) and fully charged, but when I turn the key I just get the click (which is more like a CLUNK!) and if I try again, the wire going from the solenoid to the starter gets really hot (the plastic seems to be melting) and it actually smokes. I tried jumping the solenoid with the same result. The voltmeter drops to zero, all lights go off, nothing, zero.

Shot starter ? I'm really afraid of it: it's not a really expensive thing, I know, but I have the same old problem... here in Italy, parts are not easy to find...

Any suggestions, or any idea before I log in to RockAuto and put a starter in my cart ?

THank you all in advance !

[carnuck]

Sounds like you may have a loose battery connection or cable.

[mo.eagles]

Sounds like starter to me .

[Eagleearl]

I would vote for starter rebuild or replace too.

[85AmCfreak]

I agree with Carnuck....... Sounds like a loose connection. That's where I would start, check all connections off the battery to the solenoid then check the connection from the solenoid to the starter. Don't order a starter until your absolutely sure these connections are tight and making good contact. Dielectric grease doesn't hurt. Good luck

[LaGuardia]

Hi and thank you all,
I followed the suggestions and checked/replaced all cables and connections. It seemed to work at first, they were to be replaced indeed, but alas it was not enough. A closer look to the starter motor and I found out ot was really shot: almost melted inside, it was giving all it could, poor little thing...
I found a remanufacured one at RockAuto, at a reasonable price, I'm expecting it to be delivered next monday, I'll do the swap and let you know. The worst part of it is that the Eagle is sitting outside my office and not at home, where she would be safer... I'll cross my fingers and hope nobody tries to mess with her while she's there...

----------------------------------- EDIT --------------------------------------------------

OK, everything's fine !
Ordered the reman starter on Friday, FedEx at my door on Tuesday (I love FedEx, they really deliver!), replaced the starter and... on the road again ! The engine started at first try. Tonight the Eagle's gonna sleep safe at Home ! Thank you again for your ideas, you all were right