1978 Jeep Wagoneer Keeps Running

REDOAK

MEMBER
1978 JEEP WAGONEER

Electrical problem
1978 Jeep Wagoneer V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic

Now, the problem. Can't turn the engine off. Not
dieseling or pre-ignition, just running, like
down the road running. I can turn the key off,
and all the accessories go of, power window
switch, turn signals. But the motor just keeps
on runnin as if I never turned it off, you can
actually drive it. So, right away, I assumed the
ignition switch. Did the job of changing it out,
and it worked fine, but still won't shut off.
Can the ignition key cylinder be causing this?
And if not, what then? Only have a few hairs
left to pull out, gonna hafta head to the Hair
Clinic, but wont be able to shut down the
vehicle. Lol Any help fellas? Thanks, Terry

1 Reply

MATHIASO

MECHANIC
1,209 POSTS

Some starters employ a separate relay, mounted away from the starter, to switch the motor and solenoid current on and off. The relay replaces the solenoid electrical switch, but does not eliminate the need for a solenoid mounted on the starter used to mechanically engage the starter drive gears. The relay is used to reduce the amount of current the starting switch must carry.
If the relay contact are shorted, the car will keep runing.
Check any small wire from the starter solenoid to any relay. You will need to disconnect the relay and change it.