there is a fire under my hood

[actrak]

I have a 2000 4runner with a v6 that has an somewhat worrying problem. The issue is when I engage the starter on the ignition the car starts but when I release the key the starter keeps cranking. Sometimes when driving and I depress the clutch the starter engages (without touching the key of course) and joy of joys turns it into a flaming generator. Any ideas?

 

[Skidmarcx]

Sounds like a stuck ignition circuit or starter relay... By the simple fact it engages when you depress the clutch

 

[ledger35]

HOLY SMOKES, there's a fire burning up in my bedroom I'll have to put it out and I'll be right back!

 

[00_4runner]

If I understand your problem correctly then I had the same issue not too long ago. The starter would not stop cranking matter what I did (minus unhooking the battery) normally I would be able to get it to stop but the last time it happened no matter what I tried could get it to stop. The solution? Previous owner replaced the stock starter (I know, I know they last forever) with a cheap aftermarket one and something fused inside. This gave the starter constant power so it would crank until the power was disconnected. Your problem sounds similar, if all cheaper options don't work buy a new starter.

 

[actrak]

Does it make sense to be a stuck ignition circuit? The reason I ask is that if the car is running and it can be running fine for some time it will all of a sudden engage the starter as I am driving. Without touching anything.