Kia Sportage - starter solenoid engages while running

you simply need a new solenoid

Are there any switches or sensor between the solenoid ( gear shift, etc ) that might cause problem ? Is it possible that ignition switch ( key switch ) could be wearing out ? Thanks agian, Ronald

Let me tell you a story about a buddy who replaced his starter 3 times on Canadian Tires dime. He put in a rebuilt starter and everything fine, two days or less later - no starter. He returned the rebuilt and exchanged it as defective (no cost). Put in second rebuilt and burned it out - exchanged it as defective (no cost). He asked me to help him put in third rebuilt. which I supervised (basically I Had A BEER while he crawled under and I watched). He started the car while I stood and listened. he went to get out of the car while I yelled shut 'er off. His bendix stayed engaged and was whipping the started motor around at a million miles an hour (exaggeration on the million).I had him replace the solenoid and that third rebuilt is still in his car some five years later.

P.S, he was so embarassed about what he had called the Canadian Tire guy for selling lousy rebuilts that he went to another supplier to get the solenoid ( he thought the Canadian Tire guy might put two and two together and try to get him to pay for the two returned (defective) rebuilts - that last part isn't P.C. but it's true.

I agree it sounds like the solenoid going bad, just hoping to make sure a sensor or switch isn't triggering the solenoid. Thanks, Ronald

try the electronic part of the key switch I just ran in to that try to start car and before you turn car to the start position the car starts its self and starter stays engaged move key back alittle and starter disengages did same thing with electronic switch removed from key switch and still had to turn switch back with screw driver to disengage starter replaced electronic part of key switch problem solved

I’m having this same problem with my Kia Rio, I’ve bought a brand new starter, new steering column, everything. Checked the wires and still can’t figure out why it’s doing this. It’s grinding really bad and is starting without my turning the key completely. At one point it actually started smoking while running. Have you tried any of the things people have suggested? Did it work?