Engine won't turn off
 

Good morning.
I own a 1986 911 that is my every day driver.
Yesterday, I was moving the car in the driveway. Started fine.
When I went to turn it off, the guages shut down but the engine kept running.
I disconnected the battery and it turned off.
This happened three times throughout the day, then last night it was normal.
I had replaced the ignition switch last year and had not had an issue like this before.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

Guy

Disconnect the battery with the engine running...there is alternator warnings about that across all makes and models.
Bruce

Maybe next time pull the coil wire. Use insulated pliers to protect from shock.

And I would try replacing the ignition switch with a known good one.

possibly the tab in the steering lock assembly is partially broken and won't turn the electrical part of the switch all the way off. did you replace any tail light/brake light bulbs recently? http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/773542-engine-runs-key-off.html

Also ensure that the mechanical portion of the switch is screwed tight the the electrical switch behind the dash. This happened to me as well, when it loosened off.

I popped the clutch with my foot on the break - far from refined, but...

Just to make you nervous - I had this happen when the electrical system shorted out / burned up in my 968. Puff of smoke from the vents in the dash, gauges died, electric locks wouldn't work, the engine wouldn't turn off. By the time I popped the coil wire (ouch!) the damage was done. On the upside, after insurance totaled the car, I ended up with my '84 911....

Anyway, if you eventually managed to get it to turn off properly, then you probably don't have the same kind of short. But if it were me, I'd figure it out ASAP. Besides the ignition switch, have you had any other electrical work done on the car? Aftermarket stereo, burglar alarm, etc?

Gentlemen
This afternoon I finally had a chance to check out the electrical system.
I did find something odd.
When the turn signal is used and cancels after the turn, the low beams would go off.
If I touch the turn signal switch, the lights would come on.
Both high and low beams work correctly and I use a relay setup for the headlights.
I replaced the turn signal switch with a new unit 5 months ago.
Any direction would be appreciated.

are the switches new or used?

sounds like the hi/lo switch is bad