my engine is staying running with the key out?

1989 HONDA CIVIC
200,000 MILES
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REYEMMANUEL
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  • 7 POSTS
What could cause the car to stay on after turning the key in the ignition, shutting it off and removing the key? I thought it was the ignition switch, so I replaced it. With the car being off, as soon as I attach the negative back to the battery, without the key in the ignition, I hear the fuel pump and some of the lights in the instrument panel are on and they don't go off like they should. With this, the back lights of the car do not turn on when driving at night, but they do work if I apply the brake.
Sep 16, 2011 at 10:43 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Is the replacement ignition switch of the corect type. Check if the wires are of the same color and goes into the same terminals. If vehicle has additional accessories, check for a timer relay that is sticking.

The taillights are not working. Have you checked the fuses and relays? The brake lights are a different circuit within the bulbs.

Sep 17, 2011 at 4:22 AM
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REYEMMANUEL
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The switch is the same and its properly attached and conected. Car doesnt have additional accessories. There is a constant stream of power and thats where my proboem lies, but I do not know what's causing it. It's an electrical problem which I think is also the reason as to why the lights in the back dont work. I've checked the main relay and some fuses. What other relays can I look for?
Sep 17, 2011 at 7:48 AM
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REYEMMANUEL
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It actually looks like the car is bypassing the main relay, but the relay works fine.
Sep 17, 2011 at 8:15 AM
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KHLOW2008
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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Try unplugging the ignition switch and see if power supply is stopped.

The Black/Yellow wire from the ignition switch is not cutting off and it could be a fault with the fuse block.
Sep 17, 2011 at 8:20 AM
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REYEMMANUEL
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I unplugged the ignition switch from the fuse box and I still have the instrument panel and fuse pump running. Anything in particular I need to look for in the fuse box?
Sep 17, 2011 at 12:57 PM
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KHLOW2008
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 41,812 POSTS
Vehicle is not equipped with any master relays for the ignition switch so you need to check the Black/Yellow wire to see if it is shorted to power.

Look out for wires being attached to the fuses which could be transferring power to the ignition circuit. Check for signs of overheating/burnt wires. Disconnect the fuse box from the wireharness if necesary.

Underhood, try disconnecting the main fuse and underdash, try unplugging fuses to see if any fuse stops the shorting.
Sep 17, 2011 at 11:11 PM
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