Moparts
Ignition switch? Car only stays running if I hold key
Posted By: KGorney
Ignition switch? Car only stays running if I hold key - 06/12/09 09:27 PM
When I start my Duster, it fires then dies. I found however, that if I start it, then back the key off just a hair it will stay running, then when I let go of the key and it returns to the normal run position it dies again. Is this a sure fire indication that the ignition switch is gone, or could it still be something downstream?
Posted By: IMGTX
Re: Ignition switch? Car only stays running if I hold key - 06/12/09 09:39 PM
Check the ballast resister under the hood first.
They go bad often and give you that symptom.
Posted By: KGorney
Re: Ignition switch? Car only stays running if I hold k - 06/12/09 09:41 PM
I forgot to mention I tried replacing the ballast resistor and it still had the same issue. I had to hot wire a line from the coil positive to the battery positive to keep it running to get it home.
Posted By: IMGTX
Re: Ignition switch? Car only stays running if I hold k - 06/12/09 09:51 PM
OK that could be the switch or the wiring at the bulkhead connector.
1st check both sides of the ballast resister with a VOM and the key on. Even new ones can be bad.
2nd check the connectors under the dash for voltage with the key on. Does the radio/turnsignals/etc work when in the run position?
3rd If you have voltage at the switch check both sides of the bulkhead connector.
Here is a link to wiring diagrams that may help you trace the wires.
http://www.mymopar.com/index.php?pid=28
Posted By: KGorney
Re: Ignition switch? Car only stays running if I hold k - 06/12/09 09:56 PM
Thanks for the link! I'll start tracing.
There is power to the lights and radio in the run position.
Posted By: IMGTX
Re: Ignition switch? Car only stays running if I hold k - 06/12/09 09:59 PM
I'm thinking bad ballast or bad bulkhead connector myself.
Good Luck
Posted By: buildanother
Re: Ignition switch? Car only stays running if I hold key - 06/12/09 10:49 PM
Bulkhead connector or wiring, I would suspect. Those ign switches rarely fail.
Posted By: Sinitro
Re: Ignition switch? Car only stays running if I hold key - 06/12/09 11:52 PM
EZ to test with either a 12V test lite or voltmeter.
Turn the key to the
run position and check if there is 12V @ the ballast resistor.
If not...
Then start checking backward..
Ballast resistor > bulkhead connector >ignition switch.
Just my $0.025..
Posted By: NachoRT74
Re: Ignition switch? Car only stays running if I hold key - 06/13/09 05:07 PM
if you don't have BRAKE AND OIL ( if oil is not a gauge )on cluster at RUN position, then ign switch is bad.
If you never loose those lights, then problem is on bulkhead or blue wire up to ballast ( including ballast itself )
note, is normal those lights dimming while cranking since ballast is retro feeding the cluster on cranking moment, not ign switch
Posted By: Anonymous
Re: Ignition switch? Car only stays running if I hold key - 06/13/09 05:45 PM
I can't believe this question got posted as I am having the EXACT same issue with my Challenger right now. I just replaced the ignition switch due to it loosing the dash lights, etc, but it still won't run unless I hold the key just off the start position. The dash lights/clock are working again also. I have already went the ballast resistor route. Thinking by some of the comments here it may be the bulkhead connector. If I find it I'll post out my results so someone else might be able to save some time/money.
Posted By: NachoRT74
Re: Ignition switch? Car only stays running if I hold key - 06/13/09 08:25 PM
Lightning net is not feeded by Ign switch, comes directly from batt/alt wiring. So ANY LIGHT issue will never come from Ign switch
Posted By: NachoRT74
Re: Ignition switch? Car only stays running if I hold key - 06/13/09 08:31 PM
Quote:
if you don't have BRAKE AND OIL ( if oil is not a gauge )on cluster at RUN position, then ign switch is bad.
If you never loose those lights, then problem is on bulkhead or blue wire up to ballast ( including ballast itself )
note, is normal those lights dimming while cranking since ballast is retro feeding the cluster on cranking moment, not ign switch
EDITING!!!
- IF YOU LOOSE THOSE CLUSTER INDICATORS when cranking, PROBLEM IS DEFINITELLY on bulkhead. They should simply dim, but never get lost.
-Being engine is starting, the ballast is good, because power is getting brown wire and then is feeding the blue wire what feeds the Ign Module on engine harness THROUGHT ballast.
- If you loose the cluster indicators on RUN, problem is on Ign switch or some fuse what feeds cluster indicators ( on some models ). Hopwver of course fuse doesn't have something to do with ign itself, just a cluster portection. Of course fuse blown will keep indicators off on any ign position.
Posted By: a12superbee
Re: Ignition switch? Car only stays running if I hold key - 06/13/09 09:44 PM
Every single time this has happened to me it was the ecu. Every time. The first three times I chased switches, ballasts, and wiring. I always carry a cheap back up box now. Disregard if you're not running the electric ignition.
Posted By: Classof70Chally
Re: Ignition switch? Car only stays running if I hold key - 06/13/09 10:42 PM
Yep! Just like the 'old' days. I carry a spare ECU, cap & rotor, ign coil and a ballast. And I have had to use several of them from time to time.
Posted By: KGorney
Re: Ignition switch? Car only stays running if I hold k - 06/14/09 12:15 AM
I had tried the ballast resistor, ECU and coil, since I too, always carry an extra.
I ran tests all over with a 12 volt light and it turned out the bulkhead harness connector was slightly loose and corroded on the blades inside. I cleaned the contacts, connected the harness fully and locked it in place, then the car ran fine. Took it out for spin, turned it off and started it a few times and all seems fine.
Posted By: Anonymous
Re: Ignition switch? Car only stays running if I hold k - 06/14/09 07:05 AM
That's cool you found it. I'm going to look at mine later today and hopefully it is just a connection. I also have the extra ECU, ballast in the glovebox too, lol.
Posted By: Anonymous
Re: Ignition switch? Car only stays running if I hold k - 06/15/09 05:26 AM
Found my problem. The blue wire from the bulkhead connector to the ballast resistor had no voltage. I pulled the connector and found the terminal slightly burned. This harness came from Evans wiring and they crimped the terminal over the insulation and it wasn't making a good connection. Due to the poor connection it drew more amperage and melted the insulation at the terminal. I pulled the terminal out, cleaned it up, recrimped the wire and soldered the terminal/wire. She fired right up and stayed running.
Posted By: 68KillerBee
Re: Ignition switch? Car only stays running if I hold k - 06/15/09 06:50 AM
wish i woulda saw this earlier for ya. had/have the same problem w/ my car occasionally. took dash in and out a couple times, switched ignition switches and tons of stuff. then i checked it and was like doh!
Posted By: IMGTX
Re: Ignition switch? Car only stays running if I hold k - 06/15/09 12:57 PM
Quote:
I had tried the ballast resistor, ECU and coil, since I too, always carry an extra.
I ran tests all over with a 12 volt light and it turned out the bulkhead harness connector was slightly loose and corroded on the blades inside. I cleaned the contacts, connected the harness fully and locked it in place, then the car ran fine. Took it out for spin, turned it off and started it a few times and all seems fine.
FYI
If you ever want to replace the terminals NAPA sells them. They are listed as a GM part but are EXACTLY the same as the factory mopar ones.
Posted By: 68KillerBee
Re: Ignition switch? Car only stays running if I hold k - 06/15/09 07:18 PM
does anybody know the size wire that goes from the ignition to the block? i'm just going to replace the whole thing. and you say you can get the terminal from napa, are you talking about the one coming from the inside or the outside, or both. thanks a bunch. going on a 180-200 mile trip to a car show this weekend and dont want this problem.
Posted By: IMGTX
Re: Ignition switch? Car only stays running if I hold k - 06/15/09 10:07 PM
They have both of the terminals for the bulkhead and the bulkhead connector. My NAPA has them hanging on the wiring display rack.
I forgot the part numbers but if I get a chance to go by their today I will get it.
Posted By: dart440
Re: Ignition switch? Car only stays running if I hold k - 06/16/09 03:37 PM
You can also buy the terminals at the dealer (if one is still open in your area). I have bought them in a package with the male/female terminals and single plastic connectors (male/female). Not sure of the part #, and I think we had to go to a later parts manual to find them as they have been superceded a few times. Some dealers may also have them in bulk (loose), so you can buy just what you need.
Posted By: IMGTX
Re: Ignition switch? Car only stays running if I hold k - 06/16/09 11:17 PM
I just looked in my electrical supplies and the part numbers I have are 784485 for the female terminals and 784490 for the male terminals.
They are a Belden part sold at NAPA.
I hope it helps somebody
Posted By: RodStRace
Re: Ignition switch? Car only stays running if I hold k - 06/16/09 11:27 PM
Quote:
I just looked in my electrical supplies and the part numbers I have are 784485 for the female terminals and 784490 for the male terminals.
They are a Belden part sold at NAPA.
I hope helps somebody
I sure hope one of the mods will keep this info and put it in the tech section. Seems that time of year when the ignition and overheating issues come up.