Hi all,
I have a 1985.5 944 that I'm trying to restore. The car cranks, but doesn't start quite yet. A new issue came up where when I start the car, it cranks, but it keeps on trying to crank even with the key released and removed from ignition. The only way to stop this is to run to the front and disconnect the battery. I tried jiggling the key in the ignition while it was doing this and it didn't help. I'm wondering whether it's my solenoid, or something faulty with the ignition system. I am leaning more towards the starter solenoid (easy fix), since when I reconnect the battery, it doesn't immediately start trying to crank. I'm able to turn accessory mode on and off no problem and my key doesn't seem to stick anywhere at all. Does anyone have any insight? Thanks!

 

Does the starter keep cranking or does the Bendix that engages with the flywheel stay projected where you hear a grinding?

 

1) Bench test the starter and see if the solenoid acts up when you remove the ignition switch from the equation by sending a direct 12v to the solenoid.

2) You can also test the ignition switch (which also might be the cause and can be intermittent):
https://www.clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/elect-17.htm
https://www.clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/elect-25.htm

 

There is no grinding. Starter stays engaged with flywheel. Like I said, my car doesn't start because of an unrelated issue, so it just keeps cranking as if it wants to start but isn't getting fuel/spark