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I have been having this problem intermittently; this morning, after hVING THE SAME PROBLEM LAST NIGHT:
1) Car is cold-battery is disconnected
2) connected battery, starter not engaging
3) started car normally
-starter remains engaged,while engine is running
4) turn key to off position
-starter still engaged, turning engine over
5) disconnect battery, key still in off position
- starter stops
6) connect battery
-starter engages again, key still in off position
I drove the car abut 50 miles during the day with no problems, then this happened last night.
Its very frustrating. Any suggestions are appreciated.
The first thing I would check is the TDR relay, the ignition switch contacts are only momentary and low current so it is highly unlikely that is causing your problem. The TDR contacts that send power to the solenoid however is fused at 60 amps and when first energized the solenoid draws very high in rush current, and the TDR contacts have been know to weld themselves.
And if proficient with DMM, connect a clip lead to the switch terminal on the starter solenoid and ground and check to see if 12 volts is present even with the switch in the off position.
You can load up and fire the PARTS CANNON and replace a bunch of stuff OR you can get the Multimeter out and do some basic testing and save a ton of time and CASH!
The TDR relay is your starting place. Its in the passengers foot well on the fire wall above the fuse box/BCM.
Read the PURPLE WIRE to ground.
There should ONLY be battery voltage on the purple wire when you have the ignition switch in the CRANK position, clutch fully depressed or in park N. If you release the clutch or ignition switch, it should read ZERO VOLTS. If you read any voltage on the purple wire when you are not cranking the engine, the relay is most likely bad or the relay is being told to remain energized by the ignition switch. If you release the clutch, that circuit is/should deenergized.
IF, the TDR is functioning properly, you simply need a new starter solenoid. Its easier just to install an entire new starter.