Ignition switch question

[astat1]

It is ALWAYS something!!!! I don't think I have taken out my car more than once without a unique problem popping up this summer. Enough venting. I have about 2 months on an NOS ignition switch. Now the car shuts off when the key is released, and runs if the switch is held at just the right spot. I think I know the answer but does this switch need replacing (again) or is there something else that can be tried. Thanks

[John_Kunkel]

Check your ballast resistor first, if it's bad the engine will only run in the START position and will shut off in the RUN position; fairly common problem.

[twinscrew698]

Also Check and make sure the wires did not work loose on the Ballast itself..

It can look like it is on there but the prongs can work loose,sometimes they work loose out of the plug assy!!

[astat1]

I ordered a numbered ballast resistor but picked one up on the cheap from Autozone. Either its the ignition switch or I just bought a bad part as its doing the same thing. I noticed that when I keep the car running by holding the key in between start and run the new ballast resistor started smoking (Iwon't do that any more). Is this because to much current is running through it in start mode or could the resistor be bad? It sure sounds like the resistor from everything I've read on the forum. Thanks

[astat1]

Another related plea for help. I have also read in the forum, a bad orange ECU can cause this same symptom. Should I try this before replacing the ingnition switch? Thanks

[John_Kunkel]

Before replacing any more parts why not do some troubleshooting?

Use a voltmeter or test light to test for battery voltage on one side of the ballast in the run position (usually double blue wires) and the other side (usually blue/brown wires) in the start position; if it doesn't check out try the same wires at the bulkhead disconnect and then the switch itself.

BTW, it's normal for a new ballast to smoke when first energized, it normally runs very hot and is just burning off the protective coating. The fact that the ballast is only energized when the switch is in an intermediate position might sound like a bad switch but faulty wiring will do the same thing.