Starter Motor keeps running

[Larhal]

2002 A4 B6 1.8T. starter motor keeps running when key is off and out.

I had to disconnect the battery to stop the motor running but not engaging with the flywheel

I disconnected the trigger wire for the solenoid and still it was running but not engaging with
the fly wheel.

Me thinks the motor contacts in the solenoid are sticking while the drive plunger is releasing.

Any Opinions or thoughts please?

[Turbo510]

It seems that two odd things are going on: First, the motor should not until the pinion is mostly engaged with the ring gear, and then should retract and shut off the motor when the solenoid is unpowered. Perhaps the retracting spring is broken, but in any event that thing needs to be removed for inspection.

[Larhal]

Weather here us not so good so I will pull it when I get a break in the weather and revert my findings.

Your explination of the solenoid function is what I thought,

[Larhal]

Well I was able to pull the starter and remove the solenoid. I read the continuity from the battery terminal to the starter motor terminal and it was a complete circuit. I accidentally dropped the solenoid and heard a clack noise. Read the circuit again and it was open. The contacts stuck in the closed position. Purchased a new solenoid and installed on the starter, Bench tested ok. Installed back in the car and all is good.