1991 Pathfinder will not turn off

[Datdude11]

I just changed the starter on my 1991 Nissan Pathfinder and as soon as I reconnected the battery, the car started turning over. When I put the key in and turn it, it comes on, but when the ignition is in the off position, The truck still tries to turn over. What my be the problem?

[k9sar]

sounds like you have bypassed the ignition circuit when you installed the starter. Check to make sure you did not reverse the wires on the starter (though I think that's impossible) Also, there is a chance that the starter solenoid is f'd and throwing constant 12V to the starter but if it was new, you wouldn't expect that.

 

The starter has basically 2 wires, a constant hot and a hot via ignition circuit. The solenoid is so you don't fry your ignition switch. When you turn your key, you throw 12v to the solenoid on the starter. This is through a connector and not the big red wire (which is why I don't think you crossed them). The 12V to the solenoid throws a switch and connects the constant hot (big red wire) so the starter cranks the engine. Try disconnecting the connector on the solenoid. If it still cranks, your starter is bad (the solenoid switch is thrown all the time). Also, check the voltage on your connector to make sure that you only have 12V when the ignition switch is turned on. If it's constant 12V, I would think a faulty ignition switch.

[unccpathfinder]

Check to make sure you did not reverse the wires on the starter (though I think that's impossible) Also, there is a chance that the starter solenoid is f'd and throwing constant 12V to the starter but if it was new, you wouldn't expect that.

 

i was kinda thinking that the solenoid signal wire could have a crappy spade connector like mine and somehow get pushed up into the power wire and bypass the ignition causing it to turn on...

 

hope that thing wasnt in gear...man that would have been bad