What would cause your 2001 silverado starter keeps engaging as you drive?

Answer 1

most likely a short in the tumbler

There are 3 components involved in the starting circuit that sends power to the coil of the starter solenoid. 1) ignition switch (it's in the steering column - turns when the key turns); 2) Starter Relay (located under the hood in the relay/fuse box); 3)Park/Neutral switch (located on the left side of the transmission).

I had a problem recently where I started my truck normally and let it idle for a minute when my starter engaged itself (I hadn't touched anything). For my problem, the starter is always engaged when the key is in the run position. I spent the last two days deermining the problem. First I replaced the starter/solenoid - same problem persisted. Second, I replaced the ignition switch - same problem persisted. Third, I replaced the Park/Neutral switch - that fixed the problem. Turns out there was a short in the Park/Neutral switch that was sending power to the Starter Relay whenever the key was in the run position. If you are stuck somewhere, there is an easy workaround. Locate the Park/Neutral switch (left side of the transmission - black plastic enclosure that has two connectors plugged into it). The larger of the two connectors (has 6 or 7 wires) has a yellow wire and a purple/white wire. Cut them both (leave at least an inch of wire on the connector so you can splice it back later). Strip the two wires coming from the harness and splice them together. This workaround enabled me to get to a garage where I could replace the Park/Neutral switch in a slightly warmer environment than the outside temp of 15 degrees.