run-away starter problem
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: VA
run-away starter problem
I have a 00 coupe with 44,000 miles on it. Recently after driving straight for about six hours (returning from Sebring FL) I parked the car for the night. When I started up the car the next morning the car started fine and engine sounded normal, but the starter would not cut off. Of course it sounded horrible and I immediately tried to cut the car off. With the key off and out of the ignition and in gear the car continued to run. After serveral on/off tries with the key it finally cut off on its own. The started smelled hot but was not smoking. After several minutes I started the car again and it started as normal as ever. I have started the car several times since without any problems. Has anyone had a similiar problem and what was the cause and fix? Thanks.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 920
Likes: 2
From: Rogers, AR, USA
Re: run-away starter problem (DoubleR)
In the old cars, your key switch went straight to the starter solenoid. Usually the solinoid failed and wouldn't start the car. The other failure would be the solinoid sticks in the start position. If the solenoid sticks, the starter may continue to run. The C5 may also have a relay between the key switch and the starter solenoid. If either one of them sticks, the starter may continue to run. It may happen only once, or it may start to happen quite often. If it doesn't happen again and your starter works OK now, don't worry about it. If it happens two or three more times, get it looked at. Probably will be the relay or solenoid.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,266
Likes: 549
Re: run-away starter problem (DoubleR)
If you are going to try and get by without fixing the problem, I suggest carrying a wrench to disconnect the negative terminal on the battery to stop the starter. If it keeps running it can destroy the starter, and melt the battery cables or worse start a fire. Just my thoughts. Take care Ron B.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: VA
Re: run-away starter problem (itsonlyairandfuel)
Is the solenoid and or relay seperate parts connected to the starter motor, or are they all part of the starter motor? GM Parts Direct offers a starter motor for almost one hundred dollars less than the dealership. If I have got to order parts I would like to get all I need at once. Thanks, DoubleR :steering:
