924 starts but dies as soon as the key is released.

[jonjchris]

Hey all,

I would love your thoughts. My 78' 924 has been giving me problems the last few days. I am just getting it ready to park for the winter and it now won't start. One day last week I was driving and it kept dying on me. Some times is would start right back up and other times it would start and die as soon as the key was released. Right now it turns over and starts but as soon as I release the key it dies consistently.

I replaced the ignition switch last spring when it was having similar problems.

Thanks for the help.

Jon

[Rasta Monsta]

Will it start if you jumper the fuel relay? Did you use a good OEM quality ignition switch? There are some very crappy ones out there.

[Cocacolakidd]

Check all grounds - Check wiring to starter motor - check wiring and plugs at Ign. switch...

[Jrboulder]

This happened in my '84...

The problem is in the ignition switch where once you let go of the 50 track ("start" position) it goes to a little spot clockwise of the contact for the 30 track ("on" position). It happens when a cheap ignition switch is used and it wears this gap between the contacts. The way you can test for this is to immediately put a little counter-clockwise pressure on it after the engine starts to hold it against the contact before the engine dies.

[jonjchris]

I have confirmed that the problem is the ignition switch again. I guess I should have known better than to put a cheep one in. Live and learn.