I had some 4runner fun on the way home from work. My 4runner was parked outside all day where it was wet and cold. When I got in and started it to drive home the engine seemed to idle rough and it made a weird squealing sound. I ended up driving about a quarter of a mile and stopped at a gas station to see what the sound was from, after I stopped the engine I could hear the starter running continuously. Removing the key from the ignition had no effect and neither did attempting to start the car. In fact, I put it in gear and let out the clutch and was able to drive forward on "starter power". While I had the hood up and was trying to pull the starter relay in the dark it finally stopped running on its own, and hasn't acted up since.
My assumption is that the solenoid contacts are worn and locked the starter in the engaged position. The squealing noise was either grinding the ring gear (hopefully not) or the starter complaining since it was being driving by the engine.
So, two questions:
1. Does this theory make sense?
2. How much damage do you think I did to the ring gear?
Now the hunt for contacts begins so I can drive to Tahoe on Sunday.
Thanks for your input.
- Matt