82 928 starter is stuck on, even when key is pulled

[Staplesauce]

So I just replaced the starter motor in an 82 928 that I have recently Inherited. It fired up and ran fine, until the starter motor decided to kick on while it the car was running. In a panick I pulled the key out, only to have the car remain on with the starter still turning!! I rushed to the back and pulled the battery cable to prevent further damage to the starter. The previous owner had mentioned this exact scenario happening, except she had failed to disconnect the battery and let the car destroy the starter motor.

I think it might be the ignition switch causing this, but I'm not quite sure.

Any ideas?

Edited August 30, 2009 by Staplesauce

[wvicary]

The ignition switch is the first thing I would test.

[Staplesauce]

I took the whole console appart to get to the switch today. The back half of the switch that the cable goes into pretty much fell apart when i tried to take it off. Now the interesting thing is, with that off and unplugged the car still tries to start.. Only once did i get it to not start when I messed with the guts of the starter switch. Why would the starter still engage, even when the main switch is completely removed from the vehicle? Regardless of what it is I'm positive I need a new switch :P

Has anyone ever heard of something like this? It seems pretty abnormal.

[wvicary]

You need to inspect the complete starter circuit, it sounds like you have some damaged wiring caused from the faulty ignition switch. Position 14 in the relay panel is the starter relay. I think on the automatic transmission vehicles is was just a bridge in place of the relay. Wiring on a 928 is nothing to muck around with... if your not familiar with automotive wiring I would recommend taking it to a garage.

[Staplesauce]

Thanks for the input, I'll deffinitely give the wiring a look while I have everything appart.