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Wed Jan 22, 2025 1:07 pm

I’m struggling with the ignition switch or ignition cylinder working properly staying in the on position.

When I insert the key into the Ignition cylinder and rotate clockwise with key just beyond the "Start" position, the starter begins to turn over, and crank the flywheel. Problem is the key stays in place and the starter never turns off when I release my grip on the key. It keeps going and the engine is trying to start.

I replaced the ignition switch, not the cylinder as of yet. So here’s the question, what causes the key to stay in “start position“ and continually crank the starter and flywheel?
Key comes in and out okay when needed.
I cleaned the cylinder and re lubed the cylinder.

Is there a spring in the cylinder to snap it back?, is it electronic? What am I missing?

Wed Jan 22, 2025 2:36 pm

Clean the cylinder housing.
It has all the spring action goodies in it.
I recently cleaned mine and a feature I didn’t know existed started working again. That feature is a lock out that prevents you from trying to start the car once it’s already running. You have to turn the key back to the off position to re-engage the starter. Who knew?

Wed Jan 22, 2025 9:45 pm

Does it feel 'gritty' when turning the key? If yes, you might need a new lock assembly. They are pretty cheap and fairly easy to fit. I pulled mine out and it had lost the retur function when the key was removed. It had survived 40yrs of daily driving.