98 Altima/MT Starter keeps Cranking

Problem: Driving down the road heard a noise. Pulled over checked under the hood. I was not sure what the noise was so I went to shut off my car and my starter kept running and trying to start the car even with the key off. I pulled the battery terminals off. The starter smelled bad and was cooked. So my starter was stuck on for about 5 min of driving.

I bought a re-manufactured starter and installed it. Went to start the car pushed in the clutch and hit the key and same thing the starter kept trying to start the car even after I shut the key off. I had to pull the Batt. terminals again.

I did some trouble shooting and I have found that my starter signal wire (Black/White stripe wire) has 12.46 volts constant going to it all the time. That is with no key in the ignition. From everything I have read that wire should only have 12.46 volts when your key is in the (ST)start position and it energizes the one side of the solenoid (The click) that flips the switch to the other side which has 12.46 going to it all the time which then goes thru the braided cable that connects to the starter motor and tells it to start. Once you hear your car start and you let go of the key that circuit should cut of the 12.46 volts to the solenoid and flip the switch to off and then the motor should stop running.

So I am trying to figure out why I have 12 volts all the time. I tried to test my IGN Switch. My book says unplug the wiring harness under the column and I should have continuity between pins 1/2 in ACC position, then turn to on and pins 1,2,3 and 4 should have continuity. Then turn to ST or start and hold it and check for continuity between 1,3,5 and 6. So I am not sure if my book is correct. I do get a short when turn to start and hold it on and then when I let go it is open. The Acc and On test fail but when plugged in the circuit I turn to Acc and radio works and then when on the power windows work. So I am not sure that really told me if my switch is bad or not? Remember no switch plugged in at all and I still have 12v on the signal wire.

To add to this not making any sense. If I plug in the starter all wires hooked up you would think since I have 12 volts constant on the signal wire the starter would try to start but it doesnt until I actually try to turn the key again and then it stays on and I have to remove the battery terminals again. I am thinking that is because of the safety devices somehow stopping it. I am not sure that’s what has me puzzled.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
John Hershey Pataskala, Ohio