Author Topic: Immediate starter engagement  (Read 1931 times)

Brian Miller

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Immediate starter engagement
« on: April 12, 2026, 08:40:09 PM »
All,
I’m having an ignition/ starter ( stays engaged )issue with my 2000 Beaver Patriot.  Turned the ignition key to the first position and the starter immediately engaged.  Just had the starter replaced because the previous starter had immediate engagement and overheated and seized. I thought it was a solenoid issue that caused the issue however it’s the same issue with the new starter.
Need some ideas…

Thank you
Brian
2000 Patriot
Cat 3126

Joel Ashley

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Re: Immediate starter engagement
« Reply #1 on: April 12, 2026, 09:53:17 PM »
I had an issue with a starter that wouldn’t disengage on our Pace Arrow.  After several ruined starters, tows, and clueless repairmen, I dug in myself and discovered an old GM service bulletin about a bad solenoid from the factory.  Turns out it was hidden behind and mounted to a vertical steel angle iron support of the doghouse.  I was lucky to find it barely with my fingers (when all else fails, follow/feel the wires).  It was a secondary solenoid, not the main starter one, which added perplexion.

It could be you have a similar situation, with a solenoid between the dash ignition and starter that has points burned together or with no gap left.  Or perhaps a bad relay.  It no doubt is the cause of the overheating and failure of your last starter, and if not replaced will keep ruining starters.  Others here may have familiarity with your coach model and can assist, and there may be a wiring diagram “book” for it available in the Club’s Coach Assist section, although it may not be detailed enough to show everything you need.

Joel
Joel and Lee Rae Ashley
Clackamas, Oregon
36.9 ft. 2006 Monterey Ventura IV, aka"Monty Rae"
C9 400HP Cat

Eric Maclean Co-Admin

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Re: Immediate starter engagement
« Reply #2 on: April 12, 2026, 10:32:34 PM »
Brian
In your original post you don't give the year or model and engine size of your coach which will make it difficult for anyone to give you an accurate description of where to look .
But with that said if we are talking about a Beaver Patriot your should find a primary start solenoid mounted at the left rear of the battery bay near the frame rail above the air tanks.
That solenoid is the primary start solenoid which sends the signal to the secondary solenoid mounted on the starter if it is stuck it will cause your problem.

Eric
1997 Patriot Yorktown
3126-B
2009 Chevy HHR
Roadmaster falcon tow bar
Demco Air Force one tow brake.

Brian Miller

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Re: Immediate starter engagement
« Reply #3 on: April 12, 2026, 11:09:51 PM »
Original post stated 2000 Beaver Patriot.
I did forget cat 3126
Thank you
2000 Patriot
Cat 3126

Eric Maclean Co-Admin

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Re: Immediate starter engagement
« Reply #4 on: April 13, 2026, 01:11:56 PM »
Brian
Many of us here carry a spare ignition solenoid which is a common fault item in the forward electrical bay.
That ignition solenoid is also an isolated ground solenoid meaning the internal coil is not grounded to the case of the solenoid
Although the ignition solenoid is rated for continuous duty and is capable of 85 amps making it a little over kill for the starter primary or trigger solenoid it is configured the same way and will work well in that roll.

Also Cole Hersey makes the same continuous duty solenoid in a 200 amp rating with silver internal contacts making it more durable which is a very good alternative for the ignition solenoid in the forward electrical bay.

So you can see if you can only carry one spare that is the one you want

Eric

https://www.colehersee.com.au/product/spst-12v-85a-continuous-duty-solenoid/
1997 Patriot Yorktown
3126-B
2009 Chevy HHR
Roadmaster falcon tow bar
Demco Air Force one tow brake.