Well that was interesting... Starter is bad

Just thought I would share the incident that occurred the other day with my 97 2.4l regular cab 2wd Tacoma.

Just like any other day I jump in the ole truck, turn the key over and she cranks up. But then... Oh wait... that dreaded "starter is still engaged" sound. So without missing a beat I switch it off, and pull out the key, still just-a-spinnin, pop the hood and jump out, rip open the fuse/relay cover and yank the starter solenoid out expecting that to do the trick. Nope still just-a-spinnin. Reach over and grab the battery terminal + with my super man-ly strength I rip the terminal loose. Finally... she stops-a-spinnin.

Now all this occurred in a period of about 10-15 seconds, I think that was the fastest diagnosis I have made on a vehicle yet! Process of elimination says.....

Starter is bad.

 

Yep, same thing happened to me. I got water in the starter and the truck sat for 2 weeks and when it turned on it froze up and continued to do w/e it pleased. Lesson learned, start your truck more often.