Stuck Starter '98 Prerunner - HELP

[Rav4man]

When I tried to start the Engine the starter would click like the battery was dead. The battery is a few months old so I tightened the cables.
Then, truck started but the starterstayed on. It was like the battery was weak but I tried a new battery. Same result. I hit the starter several time it finally worked, but now the starter is stuck.
With the key off and out of the ignition the starter stayed on. I disconnected the battery to kill it. I can now turn the engine over with the key out of the ignition by simply hooking up the battery. The starter continues to try to turn over the running engine. The key resets to the "on" position rather than being stuck on "start". I can move the key to any position ON, OFF, Start. The starter still runs. I currently have the battery disconnected to keep the starter from running with the key out of the ignition.

Help!!!!!!

Thanks a lot.

'98 Tacoma Prerunner /2.7L/ Automatic

[mustang67408]

Replace the starter, the solenoid is stuck and/or melted. Its a common condition in older vehicles.

[shawnd2]

You can buy just the soleniod contacts and change them out. You starter seems to turn fine, just the soleniod is stuck keeping it turning.
The soleniod conacts from Toyota are less then $20.00 if memory serves me as I had to replace them onmy 96. To replace them is not any harder then changing out the starter as you have to remove it anyways.

You may get more responses posting in the correct section, as I doubt many with the newer tacomas have had this issue.

Shawn