Help!!! Stuck on the side of the road

[stevepatfred]

SOS! Was happily driving along music playing when I noticed a horrible noise...starter motor was constantly engaged with the key on or off...I quickly managed to pull over and disconnect the battery...now im stuck on the side of the road. Any suggestions? Thanks! Thinking it’s the starter barrel. Is there a way to isolate the starter motor so I can limp home after a push start?

[911 SLANT]

I would call AAA tow and not chance anymore damage or fire.

[stevepatfred]

Originally Posted by 911 SLANT

I would call AAA tow and not chance anymore damage or fire.

They’re on the way...thought I’d trouble shoot if there was a way while I wait the 3 hours for the tow truck!

[76FJ55]

what year car?

[stevepatfred]

Originally Posted by 76fj55

what year car?

83 sc.

[stevepatfred]

I assume the starter disengages when the engines running even if it’s turning over? There wasn’t a grinding noise. Just the sound of the starter and vibration through the gearbox.

[Trackrash]

Cam chains grinding?

[stevepatfred]

No engine running fine, just the sound of the starter, engine on or off starter constantly running


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[pmax]

I say it's your ignition switch.

Time to tow unless someone knows how to hotwire.

[stevepatfred]

Originally Posted by pmax

I say it's your ignition switch.

Time to tow unless someone knows how to hotwire.

I agree. Ignition switch feels worn. Was hoping there might be a way I can disconnect the starter from the ignition switch and jump start it. But tow trucks only 30 minutes away now...so I’m committed to that.


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[stevepatfred]

Originally Posted by 76FJ55

what year car?

1983 SC


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[76FJ55]

did you have your heat turned on?

[stevepatfred]

Originally Posted by 76FJ55

did you have your heat turned on?

No


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[76FJ55]

Then I'm pretty sure it is the ignition switch. in which case you would need to disconnect the yellow wire from the starter.

If you do that, I would make sure the car is in neutral and the parking brake set, before reconnecting the battery. I would then just tap the battery lead to make sure the starter doesn't spin before making the full connection.

[stevepatfred]

Originally Posted by 76FJ55

Then I'm pretty sure it is the ignition switch. in which case you would need to disconnect the yellow wire from the starter.

If you do that, I would make sure the car is in neutral and the parking brake set, before reconnecting the battery. I would then just tap the battery lead to make sure the starter doesn't spin before making the full connection.

Thanks for all the comments, disconnected the starter and all was ok. Jump started and drove home. A new ignition switch will be ordered first thing. Glad to be home!

[76FJ55]

Glad it worked out and you made it home safely.

[stevepatfred]

Quick question. Is keys reluctance to spring back to on after start a problem with the electrical or mechanical side of the ignition switch?


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[proporsche]

Steve, you are ordering only the electrical portion of the ignition switch,correct?

Hello from Carlsbad in Czech Republic;-)the original one...;-)

Ivan

[stevepatfred]

Originally Posted by proporsche

Steve, you are ordering only the electrical portion of the ignition switch,correct?

Hello from Carlsbad in Czech Republic;-)the original one...;-)

Ivan

Hi Ivan! I imagine your Carlsbad is a little colder than mine! Ha. So the symptoms were the starter was engaged regardless of key position. This happened out of nowhere, I had been driving all day with no problems. So I’m assuming it’s just the electrical portion of the starter. That said the spring back from start to on feels weak. So I’m wondering is the spring back a part of the electrical switch or the mechanical component of the ignition. Hoping I don’t need to replace the expensive bit!


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[proporsche]

yes just get the electrical portion ..It is a little pitta to do but doable;-)there is big load spring in the el.portion ....
Yup you got it ,today only 4 Celsius;-)
Been many times in Carlsbad, on the nice beaches there;-)