Gen II ATX Ignition Problem, Help!

[tido5000]

Hi all,

Last night I was driving downtown and went to park on the side of the street. I shifted into park, put down the emergency brake, then tried to turn the key to OFF. Although I was able to turn the key to the OFF position, the engine did not turn off. I realized I could take the key out while the engine was still running. When I put the key back in and turned it to the ON position, I could hear the starter going. It's as if the car thinks the engine is off when, in actuality, it's still running.

I shifted back into drive and drove home. Once home, I disconnected the battery and pulled the distributor, killing the engine. I'm wondering if anyone has experienced this problem or if they can identify it. Is it an easy fix, or something I'll need to take it in for? I'll be here to answer any questions, please help as this is my only car.

Thanks in advance,
Max

 

[SHOtimer]

Sounds like you just need to replace the ignition switch in the steering column - very simple. Takes about 5 mintutes.

I am curious how you pulled the distributor on your SHO though?

Doug

 

[ohfosho]

did the lights go off on the dash when you tried to shut it down? (well i guess what i should ask is did they come on when you turned the key back to on)

 

[tido5000]

Thanks for the replies--

To the first poster, what I pulled was in this region here. I wouldn't be surprised if I have the nomenclature wrong .

To the second, as far as I can recall, yes, that was the case. The lights shut off in the OFF position, but came on in the ON position, like they do at start up.

 

[projectSHO89]

That would be the ignition coil. There's no distributor on a SHO engine.

Steve

 

[tido5000]

That would be the ignition coil. There's no distributor on a SHO engine.

Steve

^ Good to know, thanks. Any idea what the problem might be? Could it be as simple as the ignition switch?

Thanks,
Max

 

[projectSHO89]

^ Good to know, thanks. Any idea what the problem might be? Could it be as simple as the ignition switch?

Thanks,
Max

It could.

It also could be a problem with the switch alignment with the lock cylinder.

Steve