1982 900 starter wont disengage affecting window motors, tach and other electrics. I think ignitions switch or wiring fault. Any others have a similar problem?

Asked by GuruT73DN Jul 24, 2018 at 10:10 AM about the 1982 Saab 900 Hatchback

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

1982 900 starter wont disengage. When running, window motors, tach and
other electrics won't work. I think ignitions switch or wiring fault and engaging
the starter, starter is back feeding power to the system and causing havoc.
Ignition switch and connections look okay. Has anyone out there had a  
similar experience and what caused the short circuit?
Thanks

2 Answers

Answering my own question. The ignition switch is worn and does not return to the run position without a little tweek. What happened was that the key was stuck in the start position, powering the starter solenoid and keeping the starter engaged with the flywheel. the motor rev's spun the starter (now acting as a generator) generating voltage back into the electrical system and causing other systems (window motors, gauges, etc.) to malfunction. We replaced the starter and solenoid (which was damaged by this event) and the problem happened again. That's when we realized the ignition switch was the initial problem.

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