Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Starter staying engaged and powered

[mavrick1]

On my 2002, the starter is staying engaged and powered, even with the key turned off. I came out from a store and started the truck and it sounded like the starter was staying engaged. I turned the key off and the engine shut down but the starter was still engaged and spinning the motor. I turned the key back on and the engine started back up. I turned it off again and the starter kept doing the same thing. I disconnected both negative battery cables and the engine and starter shut down. I tried to reconnect one of the batteries and got a big arc when I touched the cable to the battery. I just put a new lifetime warranty starter from O'Reilly Auto Parts on the truck back in June, so at least that's covered if that's the problem. Any ideas on whether or not it is is the starter or something else? I hope it is the starter since it is lifetime warranty. I appreciate the help.

Lance

 

[B.G. Smith]

Pull the starter relay, should be in the PDC under hood on drivers side fender well. Sounds like the contacts stuck. If it still is engaged then the solenoid contacts are stuck. bg

 

[mavrick1]

I forgot to say I did pull the starter relay after I disconnected the battery cables. With the relay pulled and the key turned off, I tried to reconnect the battery and got a big arc again. The solenoid is part of the starter isn't it? As in there is no other solenoid?

Lance

 

[B.G. Smith]

Yes, the solenoid is part of and mounted in or on the starter motor. bg

 

[mavrick1]

Ok, thanks B. G. I'm hoping it is the starter. I am going to replace it.

Thanks,

Lance

 

[firefighter_2000]

Oreilleys

Take the starter you got from Oreilleys back, get your money back and have the stock one rebuilt with the heavy duty contacts and have it done by a quality starter repair shop.



I've never had much luck with anything that had electricity travel through it (alternator, starter etc) from Oreilleys, Auto Zone, Advance, etc except maybe a fuse or something like that.



Craig