Re: 5000 ignition switch

[Bill Samaras DTN 223-7322 21-Sep-1994 0952 <samaras@wrksys.enet.dec.com>]

I fixed it!

It turns out the problem had nothing to do with the ignition switch (engine
runs with key off).

The wiring harnesses that routes into the drivers door fatigued, cracked,
opened, and shorted. Somehow, this created an unintentional power path to the
ignition circuit.  This is the same type of wear I found a year ago in the
trunk harness.

I figured this out because I could only get the engine to stop when the door
was open.  When I pulled open the boot between the door and the body, it was
sparks, smoke and small flames! I immediately disconnected the battery and felt
real lucky.

Anyhow, I reconnected everything and all is fine (my seat memory works again
too).

If anyone else has this problem, I'd advise replacing the harnesses, since the
splices won't flex well. The harnesses unplug on both ends, so it isn't too
difficult.

...bill

> Has anyone ever had to replace their ignition switch? I mean the electrical
> part, not the lock.  I now have the peculiar symptom of turning off the key and
> the engine continues to run.  If I turn the key off and on a zillion times, I