71 Cutlass Im able to start the car but when I put the key to the off position it wont shut off. Other things I notice. The oil light was on when in the off position. Car has tilt steering orignial unrestored. Any guesses were to start replacing parts.

 

Sounds like a bad ignition switch to me. Possibly the linkage between the lock cylinder and switch.

 

So that would be on the bottom of the steering wheel were the harness for the ignition switch connectors are located?

 

+1.


Could be. You can check both by getting to the switch.


Top of the column, above the pedals, yup.
You have to drop the column from the dashboard to gain access, but it's not a big deal.

- Eric

 

OKay. So you recommend to replace ignition switch with key ad while in the colum ill clean any contacts as well as the igniton switch connectors. Is there any hardware between ignition lock and the ignition switch connectors?

 

I would just start with the ignition switch. The switch is actuated by a rod that runs down the column from your lock cylinder. You could test your old one by taking it off the column and with the wires hooked up move the switch through its positions with a pick tool. (Just make sure the car is in park in case it starts) Also with the switch off rotate your key through the different positions and make sure the rod has full travel. And you'll see just how easy it is for thieves to steal these cars. :-O…The mounting holes in the switch are slotted. But I don't think enough that it could be miss adjusted enough so the car won't start/ shut off.

 

The ignition lock and key have nothing to do with the switch.

- Eric

 

Eric, could it possibly be a timing/ or timing chain issue ? Reason I'm asking ...

I had a car back in the day when I shut it off, it would continually run on, I had to shut it off in drive. Never thought much about it, I sold the car not long after.

 

No, what your describing is runon, or dieseling. What the OP is describing is having power to the coil with the key off.

 

Cheers Eric, I learned something again today in the event this should happen down the road. I didn't want to side track the OP's question here just my thought.

 

OK thanks for the reply. When I get the car from paint, Ill take it a part and examine the travel of the rods. I guess Ill replace the lock device anyway since im opening it up anyway. I will advise my findings thanks.