I've had this car many years and only drive in the summer on weekends so it sits most of the time. This weekend got out and drove it. One time after I stopped and later tried to start it "nothing" no lights,horn or anything.Checked the battery was good new cables also new ground wire from the body to the engine(as I had trouble with no start that's what it was).We pulled it to my shop I checked every thing still no power anywhere.The cable that runs from the trunk to under the hood I had power there.After a while went out and the thing started right up.All was fine for awhile.the next day I drove it and I could hear something running so I went home tried to kill it but it just kept running with the key off. The starter was running(not engaged) just running I had to unhook the battery to get it to stop.Now back to nothing.I'm sure I will have to get it rebuilt.(starter)
Now could it be the switch and would that keep the dome(under the dash)light from working?no radio or gages works.
Hope someone can help me
Thanks
Richard
AAction Automotive
Lubbock,Tx

You probably should look into the ignition switch. They seem to last forever, but everything will fail sometime.

230/8

I second the ignition switch, that's about the only thing that will make the starter run continuously AND leave everything dead. Make sure it's not just loose!

If the switch is OK, starter run-on with the key off is a bad solenoid on the starter. Another possiblity is a loose wire on the starter -- the main power buss wire attaches here on the same post as the battery cable, and if someone missed it when installing a starter or cable, it can both short to the solenoid (starter won't quit running) and fail to provide power to the car. Easy enough to check.

If the starter was running without turning the engine, the solenoid has an internal short at the motor contactor, replace it.

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

More on my car
Removed dash and checked Ign. switch no power to the plug that inputs to switch. In fact no power to the fuses at all nothing inside the car .I do however have 12v under the hood so to that point okay but from there to the main fuses nothing.
I'm going to remove all connection under the hood and clean.
Also one time I put the car on the lift and checked under it for anything when I lower it the dome light came on for a short time and I had power at the plug that goes to to switch then all at once it was gone again.Like I said before I have installed a new ground wire from body to engine.
My alldata does not go back that far and my book has no wiring diam. at all.
I hope some one has seen this before.
Thanks again
Richard