So, I'm leaving work the other day and go to start my 968 and the starter motor won't shut off even after turning the key off. To make a long story short, I managed to get the car home buy jump starting it in 2nd gear.
I have the starter off of the car and need to know if there is a way to test the motor? My thinking is that it could be one of two problems, an issue with the starter itself or a problem with the ignition wiring.
I read the gummy starter thread, but this doesn't seem to be the same.
I did a little test with the starter on the bench. When I ground the starter and apply +12V to the large positive lead nothing happens. When I apply +12V to the small positive terminal, the starter moves forward and turns slowely. If I then put the +12V on the large positive lead and jump to the small lead, it moves forward and spins like a demon. I'm guessing this is what is supposed to happen and that the large positive lead is always hot and the small terminal is the "kick starter".
If all is well with the starter as noted above, then I'm guessing that I have a short to the small positive lead and that if I get under the car with a meter that I'll get a positive voltage even without turning the ignition on. Unfortunately, the car is outside, it's dark, and it's raining so it will have to wait. What do you think?
Check your wiring from the starter to the generator. I just had to change mine for the same reason. The starter just kept running once I turned the key. There was a short in those two wires. When I slit open the plastic casing I found that the wires were all rusted and broken. Ordered a new wiring harness -- had to come from Germany, about $55 plus expediting fee, etc.
Jeff
[quote name='astrojeff' date='May 16 2006, 08:48 AM']Check your wiring from the starter to the generator. I just had to change mine for the same reason. The starter just kept running once I turned the key. There was a short in those two wires. When I slit open the plastic casing I found that the wires were all rusted and broken. Ordered a new wiring harness -- had to come from Germany, about $55 plus expediting fee, etc.
Jeff
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I'll pull the harness on Saturday and check everything. I'm starting to think this is a result of my engine bay cleaning two weeks ago <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/huh.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />
I agree....sounds like the starter/alternator harness is toasted. A couple years back, mine had a similar issue and even would crank with the key out! Mine started as an intermittent issue causing a drained battery.
Well the problem was with the red ignition lead. The plastic coating was basically non existant thus allowing the short. New wire installed and she's back on the road.