1995 Honda Civic will not stay started! Help!

BDEANE66

MEMBER
1995 HONDA CIVIC

1995 Honda Civic 4 cyl Automatic 150000 miles

the day before xmas I got in my car to leave and when I went to start it it started but when I let go of the key it turned off. It starts on 3 but when it kicks back to two it shuts off. If I hold the key between 2 & 3 it stays started. When I had my friend look at it a couple hours later it started and stayed started like there was no problem. Of course. A little while later I got in my car to leave and IT WOULDNT STAY STARTED AGAIN! So I looked in the web everything pointed to the ignition switch, I replaced it and it was fine. So I thought! I took my car 40 miles out of town to turn in job applications I turned off my car to go into the first business and when I came back out my car was doing it again! I sat for two hours having a melt down trying to figure out what the heck to do! I had to wedge a leatherman tool between the steering colume and the dash to hold the key in place all the way home!

I dont have money to keep replacing parts that dont need to be replaced, nor can I afford a 100.00 diagnostic to pen point the problem

please help any thoughts on what could be the problem would help sooo much! Thanks!

3 Replies

F4I_GUY

MECHANIC
3,302 POSTS

Does the key not hold in the key on position? If so, replace the actual mechanical side of the switch, not the electrical portion.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Monday, January 4th, 2010 AT 8:55 PM

BDEANE66

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I replaced the ignition switch just the part the key goes into no wire or anything

When I turn the key to start (3) it starts but when I let go of the key it goes to (2) and turns off

But if I hold the key in place between 3 & 2 it will stay running until I let go of the key and it turns off

I dont know much about cars but isnt it weird that there is a centimeter window between 2 & 3 were if I hold the key in place it will run! Even drive!