Car Won't Turn Off, Then Won't Turn On

[Joey GT-R]

So I just pulled into my apartment and went to turn off the car. Turned the key to the off position and pulled it out. The car was still running. Stuck it back in, and repeated, still running. I did this about 3-4 more times. I popped the hood, and started looking. I disconnected the battery just to see what might happen; and of course the alternator switched over and kept the car alive. So after that, I dropped it in first with the E-Brake on and let it stall out. I pulled my key out, but the car still had accessories running. I flicked the key back and forth again, still no luck. So then I went back and disconnected the battery. Prior to, I tried to start the car to see if it would do the same thing, but now it won't start. I'm beyond puzzled.


POINTS OF INTEREST

1. I left my corners on all day long(10+ hours). The thing that makes the little jingle to remind you that your lights are on or your key is still in hasn't worked in months, perhaps a year. When I came back to my car after work they seemed decently bright still. I used a jumpbox however to start it up thinking the battery was probably too weak. I did notice the instrument cluster was a little dim for a bit, probably the battery charging up though? Not sure. My headlights were strong however.

2. I went to the mall to buy a suit for a funeral I hope to attend tomorrow. The car cut off fine, and started up strong yet again. The headlights and instrument cluster all seemed relatively fine.

3. While I was jiggling the key in the ignition(when the car wouldn't shut off) I accidentally turned it to on, which I believe burns up the starter. But it was only for maybe a second or two since as soon as I heard the sound I pulled it back.


I really hope somebody can help tonight, as I really want to make the funeral tomorrow to pay my respects to a dear family member.

[deevergote]

My first guess would be the ignition switch. Easy enough to change out if you can get your hands on one.

[CB7Nub]

Number 3. It happened to me.
Similar but not exact.

Your starter should be fine but I belive you need a new ignition cylinder.
For me when I started the car one time I held the key too much in the starting position when the starter goes off and it stuck with the starter sound going off like nuts and I couldn't turn off the car but I could take the key out. My starter started to smoke but was still fine even thought it went on for like 30 minutes to an hour. I got a new ignition cylinder and it fixed it. The ignition cylinder well for me was locked, maybe your case it could be loose or something now since it cannot decide when and where to turn off (aka sense when the key is moved/taken out)?

Most stores would be closed now.
I would hit up Autozone or something in the morning if you can.
Very easy fix if it's the ignition cylinder.

Good luck bro, sorry to hear the loss.

[accordztech]

Sounds like the ignitiin switch to me. Start the car and if it doesn't turn off disconnect the brown ignition switch plug from the fuse box.....if it shuts down then you have found your issue.

[Stoner51]

No shit. This just started happening to me yesterday.

I don't have the clicks anymore just goes straight to ignition on and off. And It sticks when the starter is on.

I Priced a ignition cylinder from advance. But I already have a different front door lock from where a jack leg broke in to my door.

Anyway to replace the tumbler with the one ffrom the old accord in a new cyclinder?

steve

[deevergote]

From the sounds of it, it doesn't seem like it's the tumbler. Just the switch itself. You can remove the tumbler and work the ignition switch without a key if you really wanted to.

[Straight Success]

Joey, most likely it's the ignition. I've seen this happen on many domestic cars. Same symptoms, different manufacturer.

I sold a few ignition switches to Ford Taurus owners while working at Advance Auto.

... and no, I'm not riding Mike's coat tail.

[Joey GT-R]

Okay I was able to remove the switch, but now it's attached to my alarm. Is there a key wire I should look for? A friend and I replaced the switch from Autozone about a year ago, but I don't remember doing all this. Any tips?

[Straight Success]

Do you have the alarm wiring guide? There is typically a wire from the ignition to the alarm ECU/module which will continue through to able/disable the starter.

All alarms are different as you already know, but the schematic will tell you which wires go to the ignition. I usually just look at the wiring diagrams.

[Joey GT-R]

The diagram is fodder for sure. I've been considering a new alarm but cutting the alarm might make it worse for me since I don't know what all the wires do.

[accordztech]

The wires they tap is going to be the same as the new one. Just redo what they did. Or cut the existing harness after the alarm job and wire in the nee ignitiin switch...preferably solder or really strong butt connectors.

[Joey GT-R]

UPDATE

I got the new switch and I've bypassed my alarm in the meantime in an effort to get the car running. The problem persists. I don't seem to have a problem starting it, it just won't cut off. Since I just wanted to test the switch itself without bolting everything back up. I used a screwdriver in the little hole of the switch. So I doubt the lock cylinder or the key ignition itself is the issue.


Any other ideas?

[evil_demon_01]

UPDATE

I've bypassed my alarm in the meantime in an effort to get the car running. The problem persists. I don't seem to have a problem starting it, it just won't cut on. Since I just wanted to test the switch itself without bolting everything back up. I used a screwdriver in the little hole of the switch. So I doubt the lock cylinder or the key ignition itself is the issue.


Any other ideas?

The cylinder isn't the issue, The switch is - The part you put the screwdriver into.
Replace that.

[Joey GT-R]

The cylinder isn't the issue, The switch is - The part you put the screwdriver into.
Replace that.

Sorry bro I edited my post since it was kind of unclear. But I've put in a new switch but I'm still having the same problem, except this time the car starts up fine but won't cut off.

[Straight Success]

Is the tumbler damaged?