1992 Dodge Caravan starter not disengaging

RACING24YES

MEMBER
1992 DODGE CARAVAN

Electrical problem
1992 Dodge Caravan 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic idk miles

ive read alot about peoples starter not dissengaging but they also couldnt get it to shut off with the key but when I turn the key off it shuts off. And might still be engaged cuz when you shut the van off you can hear the starter whine as its coming to a stop. I dont know what the problem is does anyone have any idea what it might be? And im afraid to keep ti running because I dotn wnat to ruin the starter

2 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Could be the starter relay sticking or a defective ignition switch.

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Sunday, August 2nd, 2009 AT 8:10 PM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,916 POSTS

Happened to mine once. Usually when the solenoid contacts wear away, you will have an intermittent loud clunk from the starter but it won't crank the engine. In some cases, the plunger gets wedged between the worn spots in the two contacts and won't release. It will still keep cranking after you turn the ignition switch off. New solenoid contacts are available for 20 bucks.

If yours stops cranking when you turn the switch off, this also says the starter relay is not sticking. There is a metal cam on the end of the ignition switch tumbler that cracks. It usually causes everything to work normally EXCEPT the starter, but if that cam gets wedged in the crank position, it could cause the starter to stay energized. Try backing the ignition switch off just a little to see if the starter will stop spinning. If it does, suspect the ignition switch / cam. The dealer has an inexpensive repair kit for the cam.

If nothing else works, you can unplug the starter relay after starting the engine. That will prevent damage to the starter until you get it fixed.

Caradiodoc