Wont stay running HELP

Ok guys my girls car which is a 92 prelude w/ a h23 automatic now the cars been running fine for about a month or so (just got it) well today she said she was driving home and the her dash lights were getting dim and then going back to normal then the speedo display would go out then she heard a pop? Okay well she made it home safely but when she was ready to leave she turned the key the car started and once she released the key from the start position it would die. However if you just hold the key to the start position the car would stay running? I was just curious if anyone else had this happen and i am open for suggestions. thanks

I am having difficulty understanding your situation. The car runs when in start position but stops when you turn it to the off position...?

Bad ignition switch?

...but...are you sure the engine actually starts when you turn the key, then dies when you let go of the key? Could it be that starter being engaged and turning the motor over just makes it sound like the engine started?

If it's just turning over and not starting I'd start by checking spark and fuel. But if it actually starts until you release the key I'd guess it has something to do with the ignition switch.

Well ok it does start up but once I let go off the key it cuts off. The engine does actually start if I was the hold the key to the start position it will run but of course can't hold it while driving. I was thinking the ignition switch was bad. The car starts up fine w/ no jump starting. What do yall think? Ignition switch? Thanks

I have the same problem with my 93 lude S stick.
It started doing this a couple of days ago.
The engine starts normally but when I let go of the key it stops.
PLUS nothing comes "on" when the key is on the "on position";
the fan, dashboard lights, clock, etc. except my audio.
(if I turn the key to start, everything will turn on, untill i let go)

I've searched around and found out it can be the main relay or the ignition switch, but the threads had nothing about the lights and fans not working on the on position.
I've tried resoldering the main relay but it still doesnt work.
so I want to make sure before I go buy either one.

tonY g did you fix the problem?

for any preludes and accords out there with the same problem...

http://experts.about.com/q/814/3602234.htm

Hello! I experienced a similiar problem with my 86 Si. It would start, run for about a second or two, then shut off. The trouble codes on my ecu referred to the Throttle Angle Sensor on the back of the throttle body. Unfortunately the T.A.S. / T.P.S. (throttle position sensor) is riveted onto the throttle body, so I had to buy a totally brand new throttle body to fix the problem, which it did.

My guess is that your TPS / TAS is sending a bad code to the ecu. I'm not sure about the 4th gen (for some reason it's in my head you've got a 4th gen) if the TPS is also riveted on or not..hopefully it's not and you can get by WITHOUT spending $450 on a new TB.

Good Luck!

Greg

Also, what about the altenator? The dimming dash you mentioned makes me think you've got a bad altenator. Check it out?

Good luck

Thanks for the info,
but in my case the problem was the ignition switch.
I've taken the ignition switch apart and fooled around with it,
trying to figure out how it works spraying wd40 etc. When I put everything back together the car started! and stayed running!

ever since, the car is running like it used to be, till this morning, but
I pulled on the wires from the ignition switch (right below the turn signal switch) and the problem was solved again.
so I've gotta replace the switch to fix it in the long run.

I'm guessing its a problem with connectivity. after so many turning of
the switch, the connection wore out. after all it the car is 12 years old.