Starter keeps cranking after engine starts

Gotta love that wiring . . .
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MrClancy
Posts: 55
Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2012 9:07 pm
Your car is a: 1979 Spider 2000

Starter keeps cranking after engine starts

Post by MrClancy »

My starter motor keeps cranking after the engine starts. Sometimes it does it for a second, and other times for several seconds. Is this an issue with the ignition switch or the starter? I installed a rebuilt starter a couple years ago but the ignition switch looks to be original. Thanks for any thoughts on this.
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divace73
Posts: 1380
Joined: Sun Oct 17, 2010 5:59 am
Your car is a: 1980 Fiat 124 Spider Silver
Location: Sydney, Australia

Re: Starter keeps cranking after engine starts

Post by divace73 »

usually happens when the solenoid on the starter motor gets stuck
Cheers David
-=1980 silver Fiat 124 Spider=-
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So Cal Mark

Re: Starter keeps cranking after engine starts

Post by So Cal Mark »

low voltage will cause the solenoid to stay engaged
spider2081
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Joined: Fri Jan 27, 2006 11:45 pm
Your car is a: 1981 Spider 2000
Location: Wallingford,CT

Re: Starter keeps cranking after engine starts

Post by spider2081 »

I have seen more than one Lada repacement ignition switches cause this. The nylon the switch contacts mount to melts in time.
MrClancy
Posts: 55
Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2012 9:07 pm
Your car is a: 1979 Spider 2000

Re: Starter keeps cranking after engine starts

Post by MrClancy »

can the solenoid be replaced without removing the starter? I really hope so....has anyone out there done a solenoid replacement? Thanks
AriK
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Posts: 1148
Joined: Sat Apr 02, 2011 7:58 pm
Your car is a: 1979 Fiat Spider
Location: Montreal Canada

Re: Starter keeps cranking after engine starts

Post by AriK »

On a bone stock '79 things are so crowded in there you'll be lucky enough to get a glimpse of your solenoid. Dropping the starter is a challenge even after unbolting it since the tie rods are in the way but you may be able to rotate it so that the solenoid is visible from the bottom. Pain in the butt.
spider2081
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Joined: Fri Jan 27, 2006 11:45 pm
Your car is a: 1981 Spider 2000
Location: Wallingford,CT

Re: Starter keeps cranking after engine starts

Post by spider2081 »

Have you tested the red wire with a volt meter or test light to see if there is voltage there after you release the ignition switch from the start position?? You can access the wire in the ignition switch connector about 6 inches behind the ignition switch.
MrClancy
Posts: 55
Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2012 9:07 pm
Your car is a: 1979 Spider 2000

Re: Starter keeps cranking after engine starts

Post by MrClancy »

if so, that would then indicate the fault lies within the switch, correct? thanks.
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