Faulty ignition switch

1995 tacoma 4x4, 4 cyl, automatic, 163,000 miles

Truck had an intake problem a few weeks ago, but it's been running great since then. Today, I tried to start the engine and I heard the starter and bendix stick in the open position. I immediately removed the cable from the negative battery post to stop the engine and, while inspecting the starter, I notice the automatic gear shift will move from P through R through N as well as D1 D2. The problem is.....the key is in my pocket and not in the ignition switch.

I disassembled the lower part of the dash and slid the ignition lock cylinder out of the receiver to remove it from the equation. Connect the battery cable and the starter engages; the transmission still shifts freely through all gears as if the truck thinks the key is still in the ON position.

Anyone else run into this problem?

 

Update - Removed starter and replaced it with a new one (under warranty). Seems like the solenoid and bendix of the old starter had enough pressure on the flywheel that the truck thought it was under load and allowed the gear shift to move freely without the ignition lock engaged. End result, the ignition switch wasn't the problem; bad starter caused the whole thing.