Engine tries to start, let the key go and it shuts off

Tiny
TERRYBME
  • MEMBER
  • 1986 JAGUAR XJ6
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 288,247 MILES
Engine tries to start, but when the ignition key is turned to start it starts, let the key go and it shuts off.
Thursday, December 12th, 2019 AT 8:44 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
Hi,

If it starts with the key in the start position and then stalls when you release it to the run position, I suspect the ignition ballast resister is bad. Power to the ignition bypasses the resister in the start position. When you release the key to run, voltage is reduced to the ignition through the resister. If it is bad, power is shut off to the ignition.

Check that and let me know. It should be located right near the ignition coil.

Joe
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Thursday, December 12th, 2019 AT 8:53 PM

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