Starter Problems: Running When Engine Off

[helbigtw]

Started her up from sitting for 4 or 5 days in my garage. Started up and the starter would not disengage, terrible noise. Turned the engine off, engine turned off, but the starter continued turning over and over, turned the engine back on, then off again and the starter finally turned off

any ideas?

99 4cyl solara

[toyomoho]

Check the starter solenoid (a large relay) bolted to the starter motor. A large battery cable runs to the solenoid.

Your turning the ign key to Start energizes the solenoid allowing power to run from the battery to the stater to motor.

The electrical contacts in the solenoid could be sticking and not releasing.

See links below:

http://www.autozone.com/addVehicleId...00c1528009245e

http://www.autozone.com/addVehicleId...00c15280092462

If not this then could be the starter relay.