Soooo while going on my break today at work my car randomly shut off, I assumed it was low on gas since my needle doesn't work. Long story short I refueled it and it still wouldn't start, Bought starting fluid it still wouldn't start, I changed the ignition module it still wouldn't start. I changed the Coil and it fired it up but it wouldn't cut off. The key is stuck on, ON.

I've Plenty of different techniques I saw online but nothing is doing the trick. (Yes I tried the search function (Also search engine(s) & Youtube so please don't bombard me with that line) Thanks in Advance.


Update: Last night I had to disconnect the battery and the alternator in order to get the car to shut off. I tried to start it up this morning and it wont start up / Idle. It acts like its going to cut on but it makes a unusual sound and starts smoking. Please help.

 

A stuck key sounds like a bad key tumbler to me. Smoking is unusual maybe it got stuck in the start position and the starter began drawing too many amps. I'd check the function to the tumbler and the interaction with the switch. Mighta taken out the fusible links in the process.

 

Thank you soooo much for the reply, sorry I'm so late my computer was destroyed. I'm going to check it out as soon as my new tumbler comes in. Also the brake light stays on and the electronics stay off when the car starts up. (Ex: windows don't work, radio doesn't come on)

 

i'd say tumbler, and that its stuck to "on" and it's causing it to draw too many amps, that'd be a possible reason why the lights stay on

 

I said it wrong, the brake light on the dash stays on. Any ideas? I took the **** off and the trim around the shifter I don't know what I'm looking for lol but from what I've read its 4 different connections 2 in the shifter and two under the steering wheel that could make something like this happen.

 

If all this is related to the first description I would say the ignition switch is stuck, or maybe just bad. Maybe the rod is bent too, but usually accessory circuits are disabled when the switch is in the start position. However it is an issue that must be traced, with a test light or VOM meter. I had a no start issue once that turned out to be the neutral safety switch. Trace the power from the ignition switch. I think it goes to the neutral safety, and then out to the starter. The brake light on the dash is odd too. But if this is normally something that comes on when the switch is in the start position it would reinforce the bad ignition switch function idea. Brake light, no windows, stuck key, smoke , and no start, all point to the switch in my opinion. Before you replace the tumbler try loosening the ignition switch on the column and moving it back and forth while trying to turn the key back to the off position. This will probably require you to drop the steering column from the mounts under the dash (two nuts I believe). Then with the screws out of the ignition switch see if you can click it into different positions by securing the key with one hand and sliding the switch back and forth on the column, be sure the rod is still on it too. Hope I haven't confused ya. I'd be happy to describe the procedure differently if you need me to.

 

I bought A ACDelco tumbler I'm going to try and figure things out when it comes in. When you say the rod is bent, Where should I look. Also where should I look for the neutral safety switch.

Also I got the car starting and Idling but now when it idles its like an unusual idle it does not sound regular.

Sorry if I'm becoming annoying. I rather ask people who have the same car as me instead of going to an overpriced mechanic that will charge me x9 times what the work is really worth.

 

You're not annoying at all, I think it's great you want to learn to fix it yourself. I'm glad to offer any knowledge I can. I've had plenty of troubles over the years with my '85. Anyway there is a metal rod that connects the key tumbler and the ignition switch. The switch is about halfway down the length of the column that is inside the car (maybe less). When you twist the key to start the car it pushes the metal rod down the column and pushes the slider on the bottom of the ignition switch. Mine is on the top of the column so I have to lower the column a bit to get at it. But I think the ignition switch or the tumbler may be jammed not letting you turn the key back. And if it is stuck in the start position this may explain why the accessories do not have power. Accessory power is cut out when the ignition switch is in the crank position. If you are chasing the power with a test light or multimeter I think the 12 volts comes out the ignition switch and goes to the neutral safety switch. If your car is an automatic this switch is under the shifter cover plate, pretty much tied to the base of the shifter. While this may be the problem I think it may not be due to the fact that you were able to get it started. The rough idle may could be tricky but, I would check to see if the starter sounds like its engaged while running, this may be slowing it down causing the rough idle you mentioned. Look for burnt wires at the starter and the ignition switch too. Hope this gives you an idea where to go. BTW if I remember correctly to get the tumbler out may require removing the steering wheel, and steering wheel lock plate (not too hard but still a pain).

 

I got the switch (Part number: ACDelco D1456C) Its just a blank key I don't know what I'm getting myself into tomorrow But I'm prepared for the worst lol.