PLEASE HELP, starter stays running

[Wildpig]

This morning, I started my car up and it was running rough for some reason. So I shut it down ... but there is a constant buzzing under the hood. I'm pretty sure it's my starter, it just keeps running.

I tried to start the car up again and it doesn't respond at all, and the starter continues to make the buzzing sound.

Anyone know where I can start looking with this? My car is an automatic by the way.

Here's a pic for sh!ts:

[jlevie]

If the noise is from the starter, either the solenoid has failed in the on position or there is a fault in the solenoid control circuit. You can tell if the noise is from the starter by your hand on the starter.

[Wildpig]

If the noise is from the starter, either the solenoid has failed in the on position or there is a fault in the solenoid control circuit. You can tell if the noise is from the starter by your hand on the starter.

So you're saying that it is most likely the starter itself? Is it possible that it's the ignition switch?

I can't check anything else right now since I'm at work.

[jlevie]

It could be either, or a fault in the wiring. More diagnostics will be needed.

[Wildpig]

Thanks, I will have to check it out more when I get home later.

[jeffnhiscars]

Nobody rebuilds these anymore, but I used to. The starter drive (aka bendix) engages the flywheel from the centrifugal force of the starter motor spinning and when the engine starts the flywheel over runs the bendix and forces it back in to place. When they wear they just hang on to the flywheel which would cause it to turn your starter despite it not being energized..or could be a stuck solenoid as stated :-)

[Wildpig]

Nobody rebuilds these anymore, but I used to. The starter drive (aka bendix) engages the flywheel from the centrifugal force of the starter motor spinning and when the engine starts the flywheel over runs the bendix and forces it back in to place. When they wear they just hang on to the flywheel which would cause it to turn your starter despite it not being energized..or could be a stuck solenoid as stated :-)

You're saying this would happen when the engine is running, correct?

This is happening with the engine off, a buzzing sound coming from the starter continuously. It's like the key is turned to "start" position all the time, but the starter isn't engaging the flywheel. It's like it's constantly energized.

[jeffnhiscars]

Correct. The scenario I described would be with the engine running. Otherwise you need to go with jlevie's advice.

[Gregs///M]

Are you sure your ICV is not buzzing. A buzzing ICV is normal. Starter or solenoid buzzing is not. Replace both, they come as one unit.

[paperplane94]

My car had this problem because a nut was bridging the terminals causing it to constantly run.

Check that.

[Wildpig]

Are you sure your ICV is not buzzing. A buzzing ICV is normal. Starter or solenoid buzzing is not. Replace both, they come as one unit.

Hmmm a broken ICV would explain why it was running like crap before it wouldn't start again. Thanks, I'll check into this stuff!