Engine won't turn off when key removed

[btolman]

1983 pininfarina, with the engine running and the key removed my engine keeps running. With engine running and the ignition
Wiring harness disconnected the engine keeps running. If I remove the field wire on the alternator the engine stops. I just installed a new rebuilt alternator and the same problem persists. Alternator light stays on when engine is running. I have checked and cleaned every ground I can find.
Would appreciate any suggestions.

B. Tolman

[spider2081]

Not sure but I think:
This is a strange problem. If your voltage regulator shorts internally it can cause the car to run with the ignition switch turned off. However when that occurs I would think the battery warning light would not be lit when the ignition switch is on because it would have voltage on both sides of the bulb. The light might light but dimmer that normal with the ignition switch off because it would see a ground through some of the other light circuits.
So I think part of your problem is the voltage regulator on the back of the alternator. I don't know what might cause it to fail on 2 alternators.

[narfire]

with the engine running and the key removed my engine keeps running.

What a strange problem.
Most have the usual problem in that they can't get it started or keep it running...
I agree in that it is in the alternator.

[rjbaum12]

I have the same issue with the 77 Spider I just bought and got running for the first time. Ignition does not shut the car off. Did you ever identify the problem?

Also, I hear the fuel pump running when the ignition is off. Related? The only time the fuel pump doesn't run is when the battery is disconnected.

[georgeramos]

Have you gone through the fuse box and cleaned all the connectors? if so maybe you re-connected one in the wrong position, i did this once... it was a pink one

[CSTLHN]

I have an 82 Spider that initially would not start. The ignition switch was bad. Purchased a new unit from International.
The car started but would not shut off unless I unplugged the ignition switch harness. Sent it back. They said I needed to turn on the 4 way flashers to shut the car off and that it was normal to do so.
Second switch would shut the engine off but the key could not be removed in the off position. One click more in the counter clockwise direction and the key came out but the fuel pump ran constantly.
I am at a loss as to what to do next. This should have been a straight forward parts swap.

[divace73]

I have an 82 Spider that initially would not start. The ignition switch was bad. Purchased a new unit from International.
The car started but would not shut off unless I unplugged the ignition switch harness. Sent it back. They said I needed to turn on the 4 way flashers to shut the car off and that it was normal to do so.
Second switch would shut the engine off but the key could not be removed in the off position. One click more in the counter clockwise direction and the key came out but the fuel pump ran constantly.
I am at a loss as to what to do next. This should have been a straight forward parts swap.

Sorry to Hi-jack,
if you still have you original ignition switch, pull it apart and give it a clean http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/switch/ and then install relays to take the load of the heavy current items such as the head lights. You may want to do the brown wire fix as well while you are there http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/bwfix/bwfix.htm this may even solve the problem of the original post??

I purchased the long screws from a hobby shop if your local hardware doesn't have them.

[azruss]

I would lean toward an ignition switch problem. The fuel pump should not run without the motor. You need to check to see if any creative wiring was done by a PO. this is very common to have the fuel pump circuit bypassed. It is also possible you have a relay contact in the dual relay welded closed.

[rjbaum12]

Thanks for the replies guys. After removing all the extra wiring and figuring out what went where in the engine bay as far as emissions stuff, last time I connected the battery the fuel pump did not run, so maybe that was it. I'm in the middle of tear down now so won't know for quite awhile. Got my new floorpans from Csaba along with some other stuff and am working on her when I have time. Maybe next year I'll be able to join the Texas group in Kerrville!

[CSTLHN]

I read both articles and was excited to proceed with the project. When I got the switch apart two of the three pins and springs were missing. Not sure where to look for parts? My AutoRicambi switch has melted and is of a different construction. Any advice?

[divace73]

I read both articles and was excited to proceed with the project. When I got the switch apart two of the three pins and springs were missing. Not sure where to look for parts? My AutoRicambi switch has melted and is of a different construction. Any advice?

see if you can get your hands on another original ign switch to make a good one.