328 ignition switch

I have a 1987 328. I had posted earlier about the car not starting. I changed out some relays and got the fuel pump working and now the car wants to start but I seem to have another problem. Normally, when you turn the ignition switch, the power comes on for everything and then you turn it again to engage the starter. When I turn the ignition switch, instead of the power coming on, it tries to start before you turn the key all the way. The car actually starts but the starter is still engaged so I turned it off immediately. What do I do about this problem? I cannot just turn the key to engage just the power (radio, lights, etc) and even when you let the key go, it still is engaging the starter.

 

Sounds like the starter solenoid circuit is getting power at the "ON" switch position and not just at the START position.

Trying to decipher the wiring diagram, there is a relay coming off the starter circuit (diagram item #198) which is to power the Brake Fail indicator light. I guess this normally would get activated by the key turned to START and temporarily light the warning light during cranking, just to verify the brake-warning circuit is OK. It looks to be the only relay coming off the START switch position, so it could be a suspect.

I don't know where this relay is located - it doesn't seem to be in the main fuse box. Anyway, if you have mistakenly replaced it with another relay type with different wiring you may be directing live feed back down the line to the key's START connection, hence activating the starter constantly.

I'd go over what you have changed, & ensure all relays are at least the same TYPE (ie model code) as original.

 

Relay "s", I'd think. Quick verify: remove fuse 9. If the starter stops, then you're feeding ignition power (pin 87a of relay s) to the starter circuit (pin 87 of relay s).

If you replaced relay s (0332 204 101) (spdt) with another Bosch type (e.g. 0332 014 113) (dpst, where 87 and 87a are connected together), then viola: your symptoms. FYI, relay "r" is supposed to be a 0332 014 113.

You may have swapped relays "s" and "r".

 

Problem solved! I had put the wrong relay into the socket for the fuel pump starter. It should have ended with 101 instead of 113. Now the car starts with no problems. Too bad it raining right now. I haven't driven my car for a week! Thanks to all who suggested remedys, especially about not having the right relay.
Jim