depressing clutch activates starter motor when engine is running

[12hayden12]

hey hopefully I can explain my situation in a way that makes sense because I need help! when I start my car and keep holding the clutch pedal down the starter motor keeps rotating, even though I let go of the key and let it rest in the ON position. when I release the clutch the starter motor is deactivated. any time I push the clutch pedal down while the car is running, the starter motor will once again engage and start making a painful grinding noise. I know it is not a problem with the clutch because I tried putting it into gear and it worked perfectly.
it is as if the key is being held in the START position when it actually isn't. I would appreciate if you guys could help me out thanks!

title correction. compressing* clutch activates...

 

[TSicktalon]

Download the Electrical FSM and get to work.

 

[12hayden12]

well im completely baffled.
wherever I look, evidence points in the opposite direction (to me anyway, im still kind of a newb when it comes to this sort of stuff).
the clutch switch is able to complete the starting circuit when the key is in the ON position, but ONLY when the engine is running.
the fact that pushing the clutch while the engine is off and the key is in the ON position makes me think the ignition switch is functioning properly.
the starter relay is fine because I swapped it with my brother's laser.
the starter solenoid is working properly.
my dad who is an engineer suggests that I install a button that I can just push the start the car and releasing the button will leave the circuit open.
has anybody ever experienced this or anything similar?

NOTE: this happened suddenly. I have not done any messing around with electronics in my car. about a week ago my car didn't start and it had the symptoms of a dead battery. I plugged the trickle charger in and fully charged the battery. no start. realized that the terminals were a bit dirty so I gave them a thorough brush and the car started perfectly. pushed in the clutch to put it into reverse and back out of my driveway when all of the sudden my starter motor starts grinding away.

any ideas before I pay a mechanic 100 dollars for what will probably be 10 minutes of work?

 

[bryanwheat]

Buy a multi meter, get a schematic and trace all the wires down, make sure there are no shorts to ground, or other wires, test the ignition switch, and relay. Make sure there is no makeshift wiring in there from previous owner. If you are not willing to take these steps than you need to take it to a mechanic. There is no way for someone to diagnose an electrical short over the internet, you must get the tools and find the problem yourself.