Starter stays engaged

[tnieves]

When I start my car the starter stays engaged but only if it's in park. If I quickly put the car in drive it doesn't stay engaged.

Any ideas??

[MCTOY]

Sounds like a weak bendix (return) spring on the starter.... Lemme see if I can 'splain it in easy to understand language...When the starter first starts to spin, the gear moves outward (centrifugal force) to mesh with the flywheel, stretching the return or bendix spring. (Inside, or under the starter gear) When the engine starts and the speed of the flywheel is equal to that of the starter gear, the friction between the teeth on the two gears is reduced and that is when the bendix spring pulls the starter gear back away from the flywheel. (The friction between the teeth on the flywheel and starter gear is what basically holds them together until it starts) You should be able to get a replacement at (most) any parts store. Not that bad of a job, just make sure to disconnect the battery B4 removing the cables to the starter. Lots of stuff to ground out the energized cable on!!! Not a text book description, but hope it helps.
MCTOY

[tnieves]

I replaced the starter as the old one burnt out because of staying engaged. The new on is doing the same thing. I've never seen this before.

[dbruce]

Did you greese the gear on the starter before you re-installed?

The above may solve your problem. If not, the gears in the engine may have a spur or something that is keeping the starter from releasing. Big bucks if the engine gears are the cause (a known issue with the earlier Camry).

[tnieves]

I didn't grease the gears before installing but I will give it a try. What is puzzling to me is as soon as I put the car in drive the problem goes away. If I leave the car in park then the gears stay engaged and the car shuts off.

[Joe W]

It could be a faulty switch and when you put it in gear the neutral safety switch does it's job.

[Tercel GTS]

Definately a relay or ignition switch. When you start the car and it sticks, can you shut it off or will it continue to crank? If you can shut it off, I'd look at the ignition switch, if not, look for a starter relay.

[tnieves]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I actually ordered a switch on Saturday as I thought this could be a possibility. I will post the solution once it's fixed.

[MCTOY]

Yes...does sound like the starter relay or switch now with the new info. Does the key return to the "run" position when you let go, or does it stay forward in the "start" position?
Let us know what you find.
MCTOY

[tnieves]

Replacing the neutral safety switch fixed the problem.