Starter motor keeps spinning!!

Hi guys please help!
I started the defender (300tdi) up, started fine. Turned off tried to start again and wouldn't start but the starter motor kept spinning until I disconnected the battery. It sounded like a fan but was definitely starter motor. I replaced the starter motor and have had the same problem.

MattG115 said:

Hi guys please help!
I started the defender (300tdi) up, started fine. Turned off tried to start again and wouldn't start but the starter motor kept spinning until I disconnected the battery. It sounded like a fan but was definitely starter motor. I replaced the starter motor and have had the same problem.

Click to expand...

it will be either starter motor solenoid but youve ruled that unlikely or ignition switch or relay ignition switch is common

Is the solenoid not within the new starter motor or are they separate? Sorry noobie.

MattG115 said:

Is the solenoid not within the new starter motor or are they separate? Sorry noobie.

Click to expand...

yes its part of the starter

The solinoid is the lump at the bottom of the pic. There's a small wire with a spade connector attached to it. It comes from the ignition switch and should only be 12v live when ignition switch is turned all the way to start.

If you have a multimeter you can test when it's live or make up a simple lamp tester.

If it's live when the ignition is in the normal position the switch is most likely at fault.

It's starting fine now it seems to be an intermittent problem. Sticky ignition switch? Is that a thing. It's like it's occasionally giving it power when it shouldn't as it continued to do it even with the key out.

Is the starter not activated via a relay on the defender if so the relay is likely to be faulty.

MattG115 said:

It's starting fine now it seems to be an intermittent problem. Sticky ignition switch? Is that a thing. It's like it's occasionally giving it power when it shouldn't as it continued to do it even with the key out.

Click to expand...

switch is most likely but could be relay

I once had a Disco ignition switch become sticky. You would start the car and the starter motor would keep spinning. A little turn towards the off is all it needed to prove it is the switch. Replaced the barrel of the lock not the electric bit on the end.