Sticking starter
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Sticking starter
Yesterday morning I start my 2000 coupe (52K miles) and let go of the key after it starts and the starter stays engaged. I turned it off and it keeps running the starter, thus cranking the engine. I went through this process at least six times before the starter finally disengaged. Needed to drive the car so I was able to get it started without trouble, and it worked fine the rest of the day. This morning, same issue. So my inclination is that I have a solenoid that hangs up when it is cold (now in the 40's in the morning here) or maybe an ignition switch gremlin. Looking for experience on this one. 
Team Owner
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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
My vote goes to starter. I would replace it ASAP.
Edit: At a minimum, check the two starter bolts to ensure they are both tight and not coming loose.
Edit: At a minimum, check the two starter bolts to ensure they are both tight and not coming loose.
Last edited by LoneStarFRC; Oct 6, 2012 at 02:12 PM.
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
The TDR applies power to the starter solenoid
IF,,,,,,, the TRD (Theft Deterrent Relay) output contacts welded shut,, it would allow the starter to run whether you turned the key off or not. The relay is $12. Go that direction FIRST!
The relay is above the BCM on the fire wall
IF,,,,,,, the TRD (Theft Deterrent Relay) output contacts welded shut,, it would allow the starter to run whether you turned the key off or not. The relay is $12. Go that direction FIRST!
The relay is above the BCM on the fire wall
Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 622
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From: Montgomery Texas
The TDR applies power to the starter solenoid
IF,,,,,,, the TRD (Theft Deterrent Relay) output contacts welded shut,, it would allow the starter to run whether you turned the key off or not. The relay is $12. Go that direction FIRST!
The relay is above the BCM on the fire wall
IF,,,,,,, the TRD (Theft Deterrent Relay) output contacts welded shut,, it would allow the starter to run whether you turned the key off or not. The relay is $12. Go that direction FIRST!
The relay is above the BCM on the fire wall
In the meanwhile, locate this relay on th evehicle, so that in the event you have another episode, you can temporarily remove it to a) confirm the suspicion and b) minimize any further trauma to the starter and battery.
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From: Dyer, IN
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2012
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Please Help Soon, Having same starter problem only when it's cold out
Same starter sticking issue and I've already replaced the Theft Deterrent Relay and I'm still having the issue, should I go ahead and replace the starter? I hate throwing parts at a problem.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 23
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same issue on cold morning
cold this morning. 01 vert ran great yesterday. just got the car! next morning go to start it in garage and hear a funny noise. starter is running while engine is. Read the forum and bought a new TDR at dealer ($50). took out old one and reconnected battery to see if this was issue before installing new. Starter still running upon battery connection. Did not install the new TDR so that I could return it for $50 in original packaging. Is this correct? if starter still is running without TDR installed is it another issue? solenoid/starter problem? would love some help before I pay for a tow to the dealer and probably a $500 bill for starter and labor.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Could have got the same relay from Advance Auto for $12.00 Could very well be the relay. Just unplug the old TDR and see if the starter stops running.
If it does, the TDR is bad. If it doesn't,, the solenoid is bad. If the solenoid is stuck, bang the starter with a mallet and see if that resolves the issue.
$50 damn dollars for a stupid relay!
:h ide:
Damn,,,,,,,,,,,,
Bill
If it does, the TDR is bad. If it doesn't,, the solenoid is bad. If the solenoid is stuck, bang the starter with a mallet and see if that resolves the issue.
$50 damn dollars for a stupid relay!
:h ide:Damn,,,,,,,,,,,,
Bill
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From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
With the emphasis on stupid Bill. First time I ever heard of a normally open relay that could fail in a closed position.
Good call!
Good call!
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2012
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Hey guys, I did not put the new TDR in, but with the current one removed, reattached neg battery lead and the starter fired up again with key off. So I assumed he problem was down the line at the solenoid. Thanks for the help just want to confirm this is correct. Planning on giving the solenoid a couple love taps tomorrow and see what happens. Has anyone ever freed up a solenoid and had long term success or is it just a temporary fix?
Team Owner
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From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
I think you'll find its very temporary, unless you only drive your car once in a blue moon and then give it a bit more use. I just replaced the starter on my truck a couple weeks ago (6.0 Vortec, so same thing) and after I got the old one out, it was obvious I wasn't going to have fixed it with some spray lube and a screwdriver. It was time to go. Fact is, they're not that expensive, so I just did the job once and done.
Also, when I had my starter out, it was obvious that even when it did disengage (mine was intermittent), the bendix was not retracted all the way. It was still exposed pretty good, about 1/3 of the way out into the snout of the starter. On the new one, it was recessed past the opening in that snout. So, probably sticking out 1/2" past the rest. Not good.
Also, when I had my starter out, it was obvious that even when it did disengage (mine was intermittent), the bendix was not retracted all the way. It was still exposed pretty good, about 1/3 of the way out into the snout of the starter. On the new one, it was recessed past the opening in that snout. So, probably sticking out 1/2" past the rest. Not good.
Last edited by K-Spaz; Jan 6, 2013 at 11:36 AM.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 23
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thank you
Hey guys, thank you for the quick replies. Got the car on the jack today and got under it and whacked on the starter a few times. Hooked up the battery and the starter had stopped running. Had a couple other things to do today so was afraid to fire it back up. Probably get at it tomorrow night. The car only has about 25000 miles on it and is a 2001. Sat most of last year. Hoping that driving it or starting it more frequently will help the issue but may be kidding myself. Looks like a new REMY at Advanced Auto is about $195. Anbody else have another suggestion?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Hey guys, thank you for the quick replies. Got the car on the jack today and got under it and whacked on the starter a few times. Hooked up the battery and the starter had stopped running. Had a couple other things to do today so was afraid to fire it back up. Probably get at it tomorrow night. The car only has about 25000 miles on it and is a 2001. Sat most of last year. Hoping that driving it or starting it more frequently will help the issue but may be kidding myself. Looks like a new REMY at Advanced Auto is about $195. Anbody else have another suggestion?
Btw, use the correct bolt, not just a standard bolt.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Use the correct starter bolt torque also!The better statrer will prevent this:
Last edited by Bill Curlee; Jan 6, 2013 at 06:53 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 34,479
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From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
Before I even pulled my starter, I called the auto parts store to see about getting a solenoid. Not available as a replacement part, had to buy the starter assembly. And, they didn't want the core.