Q: Car starts but then stalls

asked by on February 29, 2016

After replacing the ignition key switch due to it being sticky and hard to turn with the key, sometimes it starts but won't hold on when the steering wheel is moved.

Ignition Switch Replacement $178.14 - $866.79 Get a Quote

Since this issue did not present itself until after the replacement of the ignition switch, it most likely was created during the installation or reassembly process. In order to replace the ignition switch, the steering column needs to be lowered. During this process, it is very important to take note of the position of each component that is removed, loosened or set aside. This will help ensure everything is reassembled exactly how the manufacturer intended so that the vehicle will operate properly.

I recommend inspecting all components that needed to be moved in order to replace the ignition switch. Pay close attention to the ignition switch actuation rod, as this is most likely where the problem lies. The ignition switch needs to be adjusted to the mid-position of the rod lash, otherwise an issue, such as the one you’re having may arise again.

Making this adjustment is something many people are not comfortable doing. If you are unsure, I would recommend having a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, come to your home or office to replace the ignition switch for you.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

When Should I Have the Fuel System Inspected?
There are many parts to a fuel system but only a few that actually can be inspected visually or otherwise on most vehicles. There are several things you can do to keep your fuel system running smoothly. Try to get...
How Does Engine Timing Work?
Engine timing (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-engine-timing-works) is actually a closely coordinated dance between valve timing, injector timing, and spark timing. Valve timing is the control of opening and closing the intake and exhaust valves in synchronization with the up / down movement of...
Car not starting.
There are a lot of reasons a car won't start from a dead battery (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-is-dead-inspection) to internal engine problems. An engine needs three things to run: spark, fuel and compression. A trained technician, such as one from YourMechanic, has the...
Check Engine light is not on
The catalyst inside of the converter can break away and cause rattling noises in the exhaust, especially on acceleration. Over time the catalyst material can break apart and cause partial plugging of the exhaust. If the catalyst is no longer...
The ABS and traction control lights stay on the dashboard
Your car is equipped with wheel speed sensors (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/abs-speed-sensor-replacement) at each of the four wheels which monitor wheel speed while relaying this information to the ABS and traction control system, which are controlled by the car's ECU. When the ECU...
oil light on, loud and noisy while idling, what does this mean?
Hi there: Although it's very hard to tell remotely without physically inspecting your Toyota, I don't believe the oil indicator light and the thumping noise are related. It's possible that your front wheel bearings are what is causing the repeated...
Car wont stay running
Hi there: Usually when a car will start then die quickly, it's caused by a vacuum leak, fuel system obstruction or faulty emissions components like the EGR valve or mass air flow sensor. Without knowing the type of vehicle you...
Knocking / squeaking from rear left wheel area when turning right
The noise you are describing has to originate from the rear axle, differential, suspension or brakes. You are describing a fairly distinct and easily reproducible noise and inasmuch as there really are limited possibilities, particularly if yo have isolated it...
2016 Audi A3 1.8T loses accelerating power around 40mph, and upon acceleration, it jerks/sputters and slows down instead.
Hi there. With less than 20,000 miles, having acceleration issues on an Audi A3 is definitely not typical. It is likely that you have either an electrical glitch, caused by a fuel or ignition system sensor or electrical connection to...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Painter
If If you’re a painter, and you work for someone else, chances are you don’t care all that much about what you drive, as long as it gets you to and from work reliably. On the other hand, if you...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're Towing a Boat
If If you’re towing a boat, the vehicle that you buy is largely going to depend on the size and weight of your boat plus trailer. Most cars, realistically, aren’t cut out for the job. We recommend a pickup truck...
The Top 5 Selling Cars in Delaware in 2012
Delaware Delaware offers a variety of weather, which means drivers have to be prepared for both the mild and the treacherous. In previous years, the best-selling vehicles have included the Honda Civic, Accord and CR-V, along with the Toyota Camry....