'71 S2 OTS - installed a new alternator and in hooking up the harness .... now when I connect the battery ... the starter engages even with the key off?? Don't have a LATE S2 electrical schematic?

 

ID you install a stock alternator, or did mod the harness? There should be nothing that ties the alternator harness directly to the starter.

You can find an S2 diagram on my website. Since you have the later car, you will have the ballast circuit:


https://www.coolcatcorp.com/faqs/XKE...s_2_Wiring.pdf

 

mxfrank, Thanks for the reply. I replaced the Starter Solenoid at the same time ... was careful when I changed all five wires ... but ... ?? Could two of the wires be backwards? I also pulled the Brown wire of the ignition ... put it back on where it looked like (scratches/shiney) it came off of. Afraid to just start switching wires in case it melts something.

 

You have a brown wire bringing 12v to the ignition switch. You have another wire from the switch (start terminal) to the solenoid. Reverse those 2 and it will act as you described. Check carefully.