1989 Lincoln Town Car Won't stay started, when key is relas

181,296 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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WHISTLERADIO
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My car won't stay started after it starts and I release the key ot the on position from the starter position. It will start and stay started if I keep the key turned to just below the starter position, but if I let go off the key and it goes to the "on" position it will turn off. None of the warning lights go on when I turn the key to 'on" position, but they do when I turn the key to the starter position.
The other odd thing is the radio doesn't work either and it was before I had this problem, the fuse box fuse for the radio is good and I replaced it anyways and had no effect.
Sep 12, 2009 at 1:53 PM
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MHPAUTOS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

Thank you for the donation,

This is very symptomatic of a worn ignition switch and or barrel & key ass, the best way to check this is to place the key in run and check if you have coil power, if not move the key to the position that i will run as you mentioned any check the power at the coil again if it is powered up as i am sure it will be, that should be your problem.

mark (mhpautos)
Sep 12, 2009 at 10:20 PM
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