Strange Problem

[A1Avette79]

Car wouldn't start. Totally dead - no clicking. Figured it was battery since it was 3 yrs old. AAA came out to jump it - battery tested fine. Hooked up jumper cables anyway - nothing. Tow guy reached under and tapped on the starter a couple times and the car started to run (super rough). It continued to run even when i took the KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. We had to disconnect the battery to stop the engine. What the hell?????

 

[TimAT]

I'd have to go after the starter solenoid, Sounds like it died. When the tow guy rapped the starter, it shook the internals and got it to crank. And then it stuck in that position.

Might be a good time to just replace the starter and solenoid.

 

[SR'71]

Car wouldn't start. Totally dead - no clicking. Figured it was battery since it was 3 yrs old. AAA came out to jump it - battery tested fine. Hooked up jumper cables anyway - nothing. Tow guy reached under and tapped on the starter a couple times and the car started to run (super rough). It continued to run even when i took the KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. We had to disconnect the battery to stop the engine. What the hell?????

Ithink the key to this one is....... It continued to run even when i took the KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION........ I think you'll be able to measure 12V from the neg [-] lead of the battery to the engine block. You have an open in you ground wire Take a jumper wire and physically ground the -terminal of the battery to a non-painted part of the engine . Start and see if she behaves better. Then follow the black battery lead clean and replace as necessary