1998 Toyota Corolla Engine keeps running even when I take k

ANDYPA

MEMBER
1998 TOYOTA COROLLA
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

Engine keeps running even when I take keys out.
. And the engine stopped when the battery got fully drained.

I turned on the crank on the car and it started with a louder than normal sound, so I turned it off and removed the keys. The sound kept going even when I took the key out and when I popped the hood the engine was running although didn't seem like there was combustion, the serpentine belt was running and it kept running until the battery got drained.
A unique thing was when I put the key back in and turned it to ON position the engine started up but with a louder noise.
My little knowledge tells me that the starter motor probably kept running even when the engine started and did so even when I turned off and removed the key. Any suggestions as to what might have happened are appreciated.

3 Replies

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,548 POSTS

If the starter was continuing to crank the engine with key removed, I would suspect the ign. Switch. You could remove the starter and have it bench tested at most autoparts stores for free.
If starter tests OK, then remove the ignition switch and have it repaired by a locksmith, or have the locksmith fix it onsite.

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Wednesday, December 24th, 2008 AT 1:07 PM

ANDYPA

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks you for your response. I had it towed to a garage and repaired. Turned out that the starter motor had to be replaced, the solenoid was bad and by no disengaging had burnt the motor. I did feel sore about the money the garage charged me. $85 to diagnose the problem and $200 for labor to replace the starter motor. I also asked him to replace the serpentine belt and he charged $50 for labor on the belt.

His quotes on the parts were also ridiculous so I supplied him with the starter motor and the belt from a Pepboys store.

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Sunday, December 28th, 2008 AT 6:58 AM

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,548 POSTS

Glad to hear it's running good.

Best thing on the mechanic side is to shop around, look for an ASE certified shop, usually independant shops (not chains) are the least expensive, but $85 for a diagnosis is about normal.

$200 is a little steep for a starter considering the labor time is less than an hour.

But remember that any business has to cover overhead, wages, taxes, etc. Some shops are more effecient than others.

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