Car won't start with just the key

New starter and distributor. Starter wrapped in heat shield.
To make the car start, I ran a wire from the battery and starter to a monemtary toggle switch. I turn the key to the run position and hold the switch until the car starts. The toggle switch tuns off when I let it go. I also put another switch on the lower column. still have to use the toggle switch to crank the car.
Does anyone know why the key won't work.

what year

It could be a bad lock cylinder. Or the wiring to the starter has a bad connection.

You might want to look at the starter relay.

You might want to look at the starter relay.

Where is the starter relay.

what year

1990

Where is the starter relay.

On my '93 Eldo the starter enable relay is taped to the main body harness 9 inches to the rear of the front edge of the driver's side rocker panel channel. It should be accessible if you take up that molding. This assumes that your car is set up the same..

Had this problem with a 1987 Seville.When the key switch failed,I replaced it and all was good until I buttoned everything up-then key wouldn't turn far enough.This was a tilt/telescope wheel. I installed a push-button on the lower dash.I believe the electrical switch assembly,located on the lower steering column got moved during the replacement excercise,because one day the car started w/key and was good thereafter.