1991 Mazda B2600i truck- Ignition Problems

Hi,

I'm having some issues with my 91 Mazda B2600i 2.6l truck. My fiance took it to work one day, and then called me that afternoon in a panic. She had tried to start the truck, and after the engine cranked over and ran, it was making a horrible noise from under the hood. She tried to turn off the engine, but it ran even with the key out. It eventually died after a few minutes, and she took the bus home.

The next day, I got a ride over from a friend and tried to jump start it. without the key in the ignition, but the jumper cables connected, it made a low hum from near the starter. When I tried to put the key in and crank it over, I noticed the cables smoking and quickly disconnected them. They were flaming hot after being in place only a minute. I've tried explaining this to an automotive savvy friend, and he recommends a new ignition switch. Before spending the money on that, is there anything else you might suggest, or do you agree with him?

The last repair I did in this truck was a new starter a little over 6 months ago. Thanks for your help.
-Chris The ignition wire is small 14-16 gauge. Sounds more like a direct short in the starter solenoid or starter.

At the starter solenoid (piggybacked on top of starter) There is one small wire that plugs in. That's the ignition hot. The other two big connectors is your battery hots to the starter. One is solenoid in and the other solenoid out. You could take a screwdriver and short them two posts. If wires stll smoke, it's the starter. If the starter turns, it's the solenoid causing the problem.

You can buy just a solenoid and save some money if that's the problem. Or when you buy a starter, a new solenoid comes with it.Car Repair Talk's forum.