Trouble keeping my 88 started!

[greeves]

When I start this car it cranks right up. Once I let go of the key it dies! I thought it might be the ignition lock, so I replaced it. Problem Continues! Once the car is warm, usually I can let go and it will stay started. Tonight I had to contunie to hold the key the whole way home. Seems to be worse when the temp is cold. Please help!

[mechhound]

Originally Posted by greeves

When I start this car it cranks right up. Once I let go of the key it dies! I thought it might be the ignition lock, so I replaced it. Problem Continues! Once the car is warm, usually I can let go and it will stay started. Tonight I had to contunie to hold the key the whole way home. Seems to be worse when the temp is cold. Please help!

You were in the right area with the ignition lock. It's the ignition SWITCH or else the linkage between the ignition lock and the ignition switch is loose. Actually the ignition switch mounting screws may be loose, allowing the switch to have slidden forward. Check it out, you'll find the trouble there somewhere I'm sure.