Uh... what's the car trying to say when it won't shut off? I had the key fully out of the ignition and it was still running. Freaked me out a bit but I put the key back in, took a deep breath, realized that what I was about to do costs the starter a bit of life, and turned the key all the way forward, (I really did try to go in little incriments first). Of course, it grinded a bit and I backed it off and, successfully turned the car off. Did it do that because I turned it off too fast? What should I do if it happens again? Lates, Paul
That same exact thing happened to me this past summer. Pulled the key out of the ignition and the car kept running. And you are right about it being freaky. It totaly blew my mind! I disconnected the battery to shut it down and pulled the coil wire for good measure. The problem is that the ignition switch is going bad. It's located in the steering column and as I understand it, it's not exactly the most fun thing to fix. The Chilton Manual has a picture of it and instructions on how to replace it. I still have'nt fixed mine yet. It only did it once and I'm hoping it will not do it again any time soon.
If that happens in the future just pull the coil wire thats the easiest way to kill it no spark, no vroom . the last thing you wanna do is crank the starter while the car is running cause thats a good way to kill your flywheel. I was taught never to mess with the battery if the car won't shut off cause it can cause the voltage regulator to trip out and fry the Alternator I don't know if this is true with older cars but it is with new ones. One of my friends had an 86 Hyundai Excel that did that one time turned out to be cause someone had hot wired it awhile back before he got it. As for the ignition switch I agree it's not the worlds easiest job getting at it is the hardest part of all cause of the lack of clearence for a wrench. I know you probably don't wanna deal with it and I can't say I blame ya but a bad igniton switch is a serious problem one that can leave you stranded so i'd take care of it asap i'd tell ya to pull a Junk Yard switch like I did the IVR but this is one of those situations where you can't really trust a Junk yard part.
Uh oh. It happened again last night. I'm not sure what the coil is. I'm still waiting on my books. Where CAN I get this part? How much should I expecct to pay someone else to fix it? If you guys are leary of the fix, I'm certainly not going to try messing with it. I need the car to work. I'm currently using a NEWly copied key. This didn't happen before I used the new key. Is it possible that I should just keep using the old one? Why or more accurately, if it is the new key, how can it be that? Should I keep pouring money into this thing? I need to get the suspension fixed soon as it's whooshy as hell and hard to control on the freeway (hence my driving only late at night). It's not terribly unsafe, so long as I'm paying attention. I'm also not going terribly fast either. Get's whooshier at higher speeds. [sigh] This is quite a bummer. Thanks for the information. Paul
heck the coil is an easy fix.. the ignitiion is not hard, but takes a while to do. try using your old key if it doesn't do it when you use that...
Another factor to consider is it could be the lock cylinder itself (does it feel loose at all?), the ignition switch is operated by a small thin rod which is actuated by the lock cylinder when you turn the key. It might be possible that it's not catching the rod not saying this is the case but I wouldn't rule it out. Use the old key for now I don't see how using a copied key would cause this unless something got messed up with the lock cylinder, the only way to truely tell if it is the lock cylinder is to remove it and inspect it. As for the coil it is the cylinder like object hanging on the side of the engine on Inline's it's next to the fuel pump (at least it is on mine). An easy way to find it would be to look at the distributor cap and follow the wire that comes off the very top of the cap and does not lead to any spark plug. If you go to pull it while the car is running don't pull directly on the wire as it can slip off the rubber boot depending on the wire set you have some are cheaply made. While this will still kill the engine it can be a pain sometimes to put that boot back on not to mention the danger of an electric shock is greater. Before you do anything though check that lock cylinder when your books arrive if thats all it is they're pretty easy to change .
Same problem I am also having this problem with my Comet. I can take the key out of the ignition and it runs just like normal. I have taken it in and had the ignition switch replaced already, that wasn't the problem. They fixed some messed up wires and that isn't it either. I can get it to stop by plugging that hole under the air filter, and I recently realized by accident that pushing the key all the way forward gets it to stop as well. Seriously I don't know jack about cars, but apparently neither does the mechanic I took it to. Just wondering if it could be anything else, I am so confused, and would appreciate anyone's input. Thanks.
Might be solenoid on the fender apron (next to battery). Had one go bad on me and I couldn't turn the car off.
Earl, Yeah, I think we replaced the solenoid too. I know I don't know anything about cars but I am really stumped. Plus its my only ride so I really loath leaving at the shop so they can guess around, specially since it was there for like a week and its started doing it again.
Confused; I had mine go bad, so I went to an Advance store, went through 4 of them before I found a good one. Just because a part is new doesn't mean it isn't bad. Good luck, I know how a down car can tick you off and ruin your day!
Earl, Yeah, four would tick me off, I want to say we did try a couple of those out, this whole thing has been going on for a couple of months. What a pain in the neck. Thanks for your suggestions.
When you say it keeps running, you mean without the starter engaged, right? It just runs as if the key was still in the RUN position?
Is it possible that the butterfly part of the key cylinder is broken free from the tumbler. If you can pull the key out and still turn this part without the engine starting or lights coming on this might be the cause. Also, next time it happens, turn the key all the way back to the accy position and see if the engine shuts down. The gear and or actuator inside the column could also be worn as well.
the switch is operated with a rod...(there are no wires in the key part) rod may be sticking. I'd suggest spraying some PB Blaster on it. it is located on top of the steering column under the dash...
