Heres the car:

1990 Accord EX
2.2L Auto
Sedan

Recently, my car was noticeably stumbling (dying for a second or two) while driving and now, yesterday, I could not for the life of me get it to STAY running.

I eventually figured out that when I turned the key to the start position and then held it there with it backed off just enough that the starter would not stay engaged the car would run as normal.
However, when I let the key go and it sprung back to the ON position, the car would shut off as if I turned it off. All accessories that require the car to be on in order to work (power windows, shift lever lock, etc.) would not work.

I'm curious if this could be the ignition switch or the actual ignition cylinder that the key goes into. Any help that would prevent me from having to replace either would be great.
Currently, i have to drive with one hand constantly holding the key in the start position and if I let go, the car dies - sketchy at best!

Thanks for the help!

I would say this is a cylinder. I have never taken apart car's lock, but I do not think it is much different from a regular door lock. On another hand if you do not have enough time on hand, your best bet would be a local locksmith.

Good luck and let us know what happens next,

Sam

Any other suggestions out there?? Sorry Solick, but that didn't really narrow anything down or help determine the problem.
I want to replace either the switch or the cylinder but not both. Hopefully someone else has run into this problem and has found a solution??

Probably the switch is worn. The contacts wear. The switch is a lot cheaper and easier to replace then the clyinder. I would start there.