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Topic: Ignition off - engine won't stop

in Forum: C3 Electrical

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Ignition off - engine won't stop (1/10)
10/18/10 8:46pm

RoadRacine
Former Member
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Canada

Vette(s):
1979 red - oyster leather trim.

Joined: 9/18/2003
Posts: 57

I have a weird problem with my 79. Everything worked fine for 6 years. One day, I came back home, turn off the key, removed it from the ignition and the engine was still running. And when I say "running", I mean "running". If I push on the accelerator pedal, engine revs higher. When the key is removed, steering column is locked, all current seems to be cut for everything in the car, but the engine revs.... I have to open the hood and remove a small connector near electronic ignition to stop the engine. Then inside, "GEN" light remains on. I have to disconnect the battery. Anyone has an idea what is going on ? Thanks !

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Ignition off - engine won't stop (2/10)
10/19/10 5:03am

Adams' Apple

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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20201

Sounds like either a bad ignition switch, or a short in the wiring somewhere. My vote is for the ignition switch.
Or....maybe the RED beast just don't wanna stop...keep driving!

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Joel Adams
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Ignition off - engine won't stop (3/10)
10/19/10 7:52am

VetteSpecialties
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Mounds View, MN - USA

Vette(s):
70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe

Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031

I agree with Joel. I would bet on the ignition switch. It is a "slider" switch on the bottom of the steering column. We stock Genuine GM for $25.00 if you do not have T&T.

Larry

Ignition off - engine won't stop (4/10)
10/19/10 11:36am

kstyer

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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!

Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424

Another STRONG possibility. Unplug the alternator two wire plug, and see if it quits running. Sometimes a voltage regulator will short, and create a feedback to the ignition switch. When you stop the engine, the alt is no longer producing a voltage, and the feeback is gone.

Ignition off - engine won't stop (5/10)
10/19/10 3:46pm

lukesvette

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HOWELL, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.

Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812

Ignition switch would be my bet. Big smile

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Ignition off - engine won't stop (6/10)
10/20/10 5:25am

hmel '74
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York, SC - USA

Vette(s):
1974 mille miglia red with oxblood interior 355ci, 320hp

Joined: 9/4/2005
Posts: 534

I had the same exact problem. Turned out my starter was wired incorrectly and was back feeding thru the blower and wiper motor and somehow back to the distributor.
it was barely any current but enough to keep it running.
If I dropped it in park with the key off , it put enough drain on the motor to kill it.

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Re: Ignition off - engine won't stop (7/10)
6/4/12 8:56pm

RoadRacine
Former Member
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Canada

Vette(s):
1979 red - oyster leather trim.

Joined: 9/18/2003
Posts: 57

UPDATE : I didn't have the time to solve the problem last year before storing it for winter. I brought it to my mechanic this spring, and looking at the problem for an xth time, I told my mechanic about that suggestion from Kstyer (disconnecting wires from alternator). We tried that and guess what, the engine stopped when I turned off the key. I just bought a new standard AC Delco alternator, and the problem is solved. So, Kstyer, you were right !! Thanks a lot.

Re: Ignition off - engine won't stop (8/10)
6/5/12 9:57am

Adams' Apple

Thanks for the update! Thumbs Up

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Re: Ignition off - engine won't stop (9/10)
6/5/12 4:08pm

my7t1

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Dorr, MI - USA

Vette(s):
71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp

Joined: 8/21/2002
Posts: 2581

Well Roger, I didn't want to chime in until you figered it out. Years ago I was with my really drunk buddy and his van did that. So he leaned up on the seat an started kickin in his dash with the heal of his big ole boots. After bustin up his entire instrument panel, radio, and so on he left it runiin and went to bed. Well, the van finally stopped runnin when it ran out of gas.
I am sure glad Ken found you a better solution. Thumbs Up

"T"

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Re: Ignition off - engine won't stop (10/10)
6/5/12 4:16pm

corvette440hp

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Joined: 7/2/2006
Posts: 8205

my7t1 said: Well Roger, I didn't want to chime in until you figered it out. Years ago I was with my really drunk buddy and his van did that. So he leaned up on the seat an started kickin in his dash with the heal of his big ole boots. After bustin up his entire instrument panel, radio, and so on he left it runiin and went to bed. Well, the van finally stopped runnin when it ran out of gas.
Thumbs Up

"T"

Now why didn't I think of that..............hmmm

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corvette440hp

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