What could be the problem if the starter makes noise when the key is turned on but the engine won't turn over on a 1991 Eclipse?

Absolutely not. The starter gear must fully disengage the flywheel gears when you release the starter. Otherwise when the engine starts the starter will continue to be turned by the engine.

It is not supposed to be on when engine is running unless there is a problem.

Because Mitsubishi Eclipse 1996 doesn't have automatic headlights.

Sounds like you might have a bad starter relay.

The starter turns the flywheel at the back of the engine. When the flywheel turns the whole engine turns. The timing chain is on the other end at the front of the engine. It is connected to the crankshaft and camshaft (s). So indirectly yes it does. If the whole engine is turned but the timing chain doesn't, there is a problem. Probably a broken timing chain.

Then why did you replace a perfectly good starter? ALWAYS test old parts and know what you're doing BEFORE you start throwing new parts at a problem. Find out WHY it isn't starting. Does the starter engage and turn the engine? IF it does, then the starter is probably fine. If not, check the starter, battery, electrical connections, ignition switch and neutral safety switch. If the starter has ALWAYS engaged and turned the engine, you should not have changed the starter in the first place; instead, you should be finding out what's wrong.

Besides the smart alec answer "start an automobile", a starter has a small gear, that will both extend as well as rotate when the key is turned. This gear will engage teeth on the flywheel/flexplate, which is bolted to the rear of the crankshaft. As the starter turns, the engine will be turned.

The actual problem is the starter continues to turn after key is turned off and pulled out of ignition.

When a check engine light comes on, it means that there are issues with the engine. It gets turned off when the person resolves the problem that caused it to turn on.

Is the selenoid getting power when the switch is turned to the start position? If yes, it's not a switch problem. Is power coming THROUGH the switch and to the starter when the key is turned to start? If not, it's a selenoid problem. If yes, it's a starter problem.

I had the same problem. I had been using a very poor battery that was almost flat all of the time. All battery connections turned out to be in good order, worried about the engine begining to seize up hbut found it turned freely by hand. the problem turned out to be the starter motor that had broken down due to constant use of a poor battery condition. Please check your battery condition, connections, that engine turns freely and your starter motor. A lot of garages do a start and charge check very cheaply.

Replace the starter motor

Has it always been like this or not? If it is, then it is not really a problem. It is how the stereo was installed. An stereo can be installed to be turned on whether the engine is on or off. If the stereo cannot be turned off at all, then you have a problem with your stereo.

If there is complete silence when the key is turned, try tapping the solenoid on the starter with a hammer. Don't laugh. I have found this to be the solution in several cases. This is sure proof that the starter solenoid is the problem. You will want to install a new starter which comes with a new solenoid before you get stranded.

I have had my starter solenoid short out and go bad and keep on trying to start the engine even after I turned the key off. I had to disconnect the battery to stop it and buy a new starter solenoid and install it !

You need to check the idle control valve, and the air filter.

Maybe a bad starter. Try starting it cold then shut it off before the engine gets warm and see if it starts back up. If so the starter could be in a bind from the heat the engine puts off metal expands when hot and contracts when cold. Repacing the starter might solve the problem.

What is your car's year? Automatic or Manual Did the problem begin after working on the vehicle?

If the starter is clicking when you turn the key then the relay is not the problem, more likely is the battery and starter wire connections. Take them off and clean them before putting them back on ( have the battery checked ) corrosion will cause the symptom you described, however there should be a starter relay in the engine compartment fuse panel. If the truck is a standard transmission, it could be the Neutral safety switch, which is located under the clutch pedal. However, most likely it is the solenoid on the starter, I just had the same problem, time for a new starter.

On most vehicles, after the problem is taken care of, the check engine light resets automatically after the ignition is turned off and then the engine is started again. If you have fixed one problem, a second problem probably exists.

The 1991 Ford Explorer should have a separate starter relay that sends power to the starter. It sounds like the relay has stuck and is sending power to the starter even after the vehicle is running.

1. To engage the starter with the ring-gear on the engine before the starter is turned on. IE to "pre-engage" it. 2. To turn the starter on once it is Engaged. This prevents/reduces damage to the gear-teeth on both the starter and the ring gear.

Check that battery volts are at least 11.8, and terminals are tight. Check for same voltage at starter when key is turned. - If no volts at the starter, the solenoid is faulty. If there is a charge at the starter and it does nothing then it, or it's ground are faulty.

Scan tool, will give you a trouble code as to why the computer turned the check engine light on.

check the battery and connections/cables