Unique problem with starting car

so i have a rather odd problem. hopefully someone can help me...

i went to start my car at the bank today and it would start and then die....so i tried starting it with a bit of gas...reved up high, then completly cut off.

waited a minute and then turned it over and boom started right up...weird. so i head on my way towards the freeway, start going up a hill and boom car dies...tried turning it over while i was still rolling and kicked back on and went on my way. drove roughly 10 miles or so and then it died again. rolled off the freeway and on the shoulder. tried again, same problem. turns over starts then dies.

long story short after a lot of playing i got it started. when i click the ignition to the first click, nothing happens. the stereo should come on and play but nothing. when i hit the second click, the stereo comes on and stays on but no dash lights like their should be. then i turn it half way between the point where the starter turns over and the second click, and i get dash lights and a ding. then i turn it all the way and the car starts, but as soon as i let go it dies....but if i hold the key in the middle of the second click and the point where the starter turns over it stays running...needless to say i had to hold the key in that position the last five miles IN TRAFFIC till i got home...any idea what would cause this???

possibly a new ignition is in my future? thanks for any help you can give.

Comments

  • outside of the key issue you discribed a bad main relay. its up under the dash. but I'd start with the key tumbler and go from there.
  • Yup, Main relay is one issue for sure.
  • ppruepprue Wagonist
    Mine did the very same thing. I just had a new windshield put in and I was headed home, while I was sitting there waiting on a ride I was thinking what kinda crap have I bought. A new switch cured it.
  • 1988rt1988rt Senior Wagonist
    yup its the ignition switch (the white ball that bolts on to the back of the part where the key goes in)
  • 1988rt wrote:
    yup its the ignition switch (the white ball that bolts on to the back of the part where the key goes in)

    is this something i can get at a general parts place? or do i have to pull it from a upull?
  • ppruepprue Wagonist
    I got one at auto-zone. $55.99 part#LS883. It's been in almost a year, no problems at all. Super easy to install.
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