I've got an 82 Camaro with a carbed 350 that won't start. It's been sitting all winter and only started a time or two, since the battery was dead. I bought a new battery today and when I attempt to start the car it fires up but as soon as I return the key to the 'on' position it dies. The last time the car start my wife was revving the engine and the accelerator became stuck. Once freed the car died and hasn't started since. It has been suggested that it may be my ignition switch, but I have no idea how to troubleshoot that issue. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

Check for power at the coil (use a test light, it's easier in this case!). That's the big fat wire.

If you have it there when the key is just 'on', you're PROBABLY good to go on the switch. But, turn it to crank any while watching the light. If it flickers on/off at any point (this is why I say use a light, not a meter).... then, yeah, you have a switch issue.

They're pretty easy to change anyhow. Just pull off appropriate bits of plastic, drop the column down, wrap some tape around the rods so they don't fly off on you, then it's like 3 screws to swap the switch.