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Starter Motor - Continues to Run After Engine is Running

FILE IN SECTION: 6 - Engine

BULLETIN NO.: 57-64-03

DATE: May, 1995

SUBJECT:
Starter Motor Continues to Run or Crank after the Engine is Running or Turned Off (Solenoid wire Grounded)

MODELS:
1995 Buick Riviera
1995 Cadillac Eldorado, Eldorado Touring Coupe, Seville
1995 Chevrolet Camaro
1995 Oldsmobile Aurora
1995 Pontiac Firebird
with 3800, 4.0L, 4.6L, 5.7L Engine (VINs C, K, P, Y, 1, 9 - RPOs L47, L36, LT1, LD8, L67, L37)

1994-95 Chevrolet and GMC Truck C/K, G, P Models
with 5.7L, 7.4L Engine (VINs K, N - RPOs L05, L19)

CONDITION

Some owners may comment of the starter running either after the vehicle is started or shut off.

CAUSE

The starter motor solenoid will not disengage because of a ground on the # 6 circuit (usually a purple wire). With the # 6 circuit grounded to a resistive ground, current is fed back through the "pull in" windings to the ground. This, in turn, holds the plunger in and causes the starter to continue to run.

Diagnosis

Disconnect the # 6 circuit lead at the starter "S" terminal. With the ignition in the off or normal run position, use an ohm meter to check if there is any electrical path between the ring terminal on the # 6 circuit lead and ground. If any resistance other than infinite is measured, the wire must be traced and the ground eliminated.

CORRECTION

Add tape and/or conduit as necessary to eliminate the grounding condition. Reroute any wires as necessary.

Important:
Check the area between the steering column and the brake pedal bracket for possible wire chaffing. Also, check for chaffing in the engine compartment around all transmission bosses and any sharp brackets.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor
Operation Labor Time

N6480 Use published labor operation time.