Expert: Sean Halliday - 11/23/2008

Question
QUESTION: I was going to run some errands and I started my Geo Prizm as usual (right
now it is cold weather over here). I waited a few minutes for it to warm up
and realized I forgot something inside the house. I turned off the ignition key
and the car just sounded as if the starter was stuck and it was cranking the
motor even when the key was in the off position. I had to disconnect the
battery's negative terminal for it to stop the cranking.

Any ideas what this can be? I like to repair things myself, so if this is
something I could do even with the cold weather, it would be great.

Thanks in advance,

Ramiro Rojas

ANSWER: Replace the starter as its probably ruined by now anyway.Check also the power to the starter motor cuts off as you switch off the key.That is have someone turn the key on and off before you try to start the engine.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It was a bit difficult to find the starter/solenoid assembly, but I went under
the car and found it. I hit the solenoid a few times with a mallet and the
connected the (-) terminal of the battery again: No spark.

I turned the car on and off a few times and it is working "fine".

I am still going to check further the starter/solenoid . . . but I don't know
when. Judging by the few details I gave, is this something that is urgent to
do, or can it wait say 3-5 days?

Thanks for your prompt reply,

Ramiro Rojas  

Answer
The starter could jam up again so,remove it and have it tested which is usually free at a good parts store because these things do not fix themselves and if it jams or "runs on",it can cause electrical problems such as overheated wiring and possibly a fire.I would be real careful when starting the engine and find the main fuse to remove it if this happens again.Removing the main fuse will kill all the cars electrics instead of removing the battery terminal.One other possible cause could be your igniton switch sticking in the start position, so make sure it is returning to position 2 when you release the key.