Car starts and runs as long as I hold the key then dies

Maintenance/Repairs
1

Hello,

I have a 2010 Toyota Camry and when I turn the key to start it starts and will run as long as I hold the key in the start position. As soon as I let go of the key the car dies.

Any suggestions on what I can do to fix it. Thinking I might need to replace the ignition switch but not sure.

Any help is appreciated, thanks.

2

I’d agree that’s it’s probably the ignition switch.

1S7429
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Tester

1 Like
3

Pretty good chance it’s the ignition switch. Alternate idea, some ignition systems use different circuitry for producing the higher- voltage cranking spark vs the reduce-voltage running spark. Engines usually start better using higher voltage sparks. So it may be the reduced-voltage spark generation circuity.

Not a new invention. My 50 year Ford old truck uses slightly different circuitry for cranking vs running, and could exhibit this same symptom…

4

What George is talking about is either a ballast wire/resistor or ignition control module, which your car has neither.

Tester

5

It is sounding more and more like the problem is a faulty ignition switch. OP might want to ask their shop if they have a simple, inexpensive test they could do to verify that’s the problem before actually replacing the switch. For example it might be possible for them to plug a new switch into the wiring harness and test it without removing the existing switch. Or there may be voltage tests.

6

Another one for ignition switch.

7

I had to replace the ignition switch three times in the 8 years and 100,000 miles I owned a 1965 Rambler Classic 550. The first time it happened, I was driving along and the starter motor came on.
I have never seen the advantage of combining the ignition switch with the starter switch. Chrysler corporation introduced “key turn” starting in its !949 models. I had no problem with my 1947 Pontiac and 1950 Chevrolet pickup truck that had a floor pedal to activate the starter. My 1948 Dodge had a push button on the dashboard to activate the starter. On my 1954 Buick the ignition switch had three positions: lock; on: off. To start the engine, you turned the ignition switch to “on” and stepped on the accelerator. When the engine started, the starter was deactivated. In my 65 years of driving, I have never seen the advantage of combining the starter switch with the ignition switch.

8

Seems like we have another 1 and done, OP has not been on in 7 days