Starter Keeps Running After Engine Starts – 5 Common Causes!

You expect the engine to start and then the starter to disengage when you turn the key in your car’s ignition. But sometimes, the starter keeps running even after the engine has started. So what causes a starter to keep running after the engine starts?

There are a few potential causes of a starter that keeps running. It could be a problem with the starter itself, the ignition switch, or a wiring problem. Regardless of the cause, it’s a problem that can lead to a dead battery, so it’s important to troubleshoot it as soon as possible.

In this article, we’ll discuss the possible causes of a starter that keeps running, and how to fix them. We’ll also talk about how to prevent the problem from happening in the first place.

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What causes a starter to keep running after the engine starts?

A starter that keeps running after the engine starts can be caused by several things. Let’s see these causes in detail: 

1. Faulty starter solenoid

One of the most common reasons a starter keeps running after the engine starts is a faulty starter solenoid. The starter solenoid is a small cylindrical device located on the starter motor. It is responsible for supplying power to the starter motor from the battery. When the ignition key is turned, the starter solenoid is activated and a small electric current is sent to the starter motor, which in turn starts the engine.

If the starter solenoid is faulty, it can cause the starter motor to keep running even after the engine has started. This can be extremely dangerous as it can lead to the engine stalling or even catching fire. 

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2. Ignition switch problem

It is not uncommon for a starter to keep running after the engine has started. This is usually due to a problem with the ignition switch. When the ignition switch is turned on, it sends a signal to the starter relay. The starter relay then sends a signal to the starter solenoid. The starter solenoid activates the starter motor.

However, if the ignition switch is not working properly, it may not send the proper signal to the starter relay. As a result, the starter relay may not send the signal to the starter solenoid. This will cause the starter to keep running even after the engine has started.

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3. Worn-out starter

Another common reason a starter keeps running after the engine starts is a worn out starter. The starter is a very important component of the engine and it is subject to a lot of wear and tear. Over time, the starter motor can become worn out and it may not stop running even after the engine has started. 

4. Faulty starter relay

A starter that keeps running after the engine starts can also be caused by a faulty starter relay. The starter relay is responsible for sending a signal from the ignition switch to the starter solenoid. If the starter relay is not working properly, it may not send the signal to the starter solenoid. As a result, the starter will keep running even after the engine has started.

5. Loose battery connections

Loose battery connections are another common cause of a starter that keeps running after the engine starts. The starter is powered by the battery and if the battery connections are loose, it can cause the starter to keep running. 

Tighten the battery connections and if the problem persists, it is advisable to take action immediately. 

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How to fix the problem?

As you can see there are a few different reasons that can cause this problem, you have to know what’s the exact problem to fix this issue. So, how to figure out the exact problem? 

To figure out the exact problem, start by checking the solenoid. If it’s faulty or dirty, clean or replaces it. If that doesn’t solve the problem, check the starter drive gear. If it’s worn out, replace it. 

If the starter drive gear is fine, the problem is most likely due to a wiring issue. Check the wiring between the starter and the battery, and between the starter and the ignition switch. If any of the wires are loose or damaged, replace them. 

Are your cars not have wiring issues? then the problem might be with the ignition switch. Try replacing the switch. If that doesn’t work, the starter motor is probably the problem. In this case, you’ll need to replace the starter motor. 

In rare cases, the problem might be with the flywheel. If the teeth on the flywheel are damaged, they might not be able to engage properly with the starter. 

In the end, if you think this is complicated or, you do not have proper repairing knowledge, then it will be better to call a mechanic and fix this problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

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The Bottom Line

As you can see, there are a few potential causes of a starter that keeps running after the engine starts. No matter what the problem is, it is important to fix the problem immediately to prevent serious damage. We hope our article can help you out with this type of situation. For further queries, feel free to comment below!