[84buick]

I have a 84 buick lesabre. The problem is the car will crank just fine, but when i try to turn it off it continues to run. I can even remove the key from the ignition and it still runs. Someone please help....

[LATECH]

sounds like some one has been doing some wiring/jerry rigging.
If the cooling fan is wired to an ignition circuit directly rather than by the relay, it will keep the engine running for about 4-5 seconds after the key is shut off as the flywheel effect of the fanblades turn the motor into a generator as the motor is a permanent magnet motor.
How does it act when you shut off the key, does it stay running continuosly or does it stall after a few seconds?

[T-bucket23]

Originally Posted by 84buick

I have a 84 buick lesabre. The problem is the car will crank just fine, but when i try to turn it off it continues to run. I can even remove the key from the ignition and it still runs. Someone please help....

Do all the accessories still work as well like the lights and the radio. You can try unplugging the alternator to see if the issue goes away or as LA mentioned the fans could be back feeding.
How do you currently get it to shut off.

[carsavvycook]

Originally Posted by 84buick

I have a 84 buick lesabre. The problem is the car will crank just fine, but when i try to turn it off it continues to run. I can even remove the key from the ignition and it still runs. Someone please help....

Has it just had a MSD ignition box added? If so, a diode is needed to be added in line to the #2 terminal of the voltage regulator in the alternator. This is the key on power wire, and will keep the alternator energized.

[boothboy]

You might have a bad ign. swich. Not the lock cyl but the switch located on top of the steering column. Is it hard to turn the key to the start position?

[84buick]

Everything works fine radio,lights etc. When attempting to turn the car off by the switch it continues to run the same no delays or nothing. The fan is wired correctly. I replaced the lock cylinder. No change. Maybe the box on the steering column is the problem. Idk what that box controls. The car cranks easy it just wont shut off by the switch, im choking the carb to turn off for now. Help!

[T-bucket23]

Has the ignition system been upgraded or modified. Has any rewiring been done. Did you try unplugging the alternator as I suggested. You can also try unplugging the ignition switch.
After you choke it out do all the accessories turn off. If so it sounds like your alternator is getting back fed. If this is the case you can search for alternator diode and you will find a solution to your problem.

[boothboy]

That box on top of the column is the ign. switch. All the electricity to power accessories, run, start and off goes through that switch. You might want to drop it out and inspect the connections. Look for signs of things getting hot.

[75gmck25]

The ignition switch connects to a "rack" on the end of the lock mechanism, which moves a rod that runs down the column. This rod is what actuates the electrical box mounted on the lower column. If the rack breaks or gets out of place it will not connect the lock cylinder mechanism correctly to the rod, and the car won't turn on and off when you move the key.

The rack and rod are very cheap, but buried behind the horn and turn signal mechanism. You have to first remove the steering wheel, horn lock plate, and turn signal cam. Then remove the assembly under the turn signal cam, and the ignition switch, and you can get to the rack. There are a lot of parts to take off just to get to a $12 pot metal part.

Bruce

[boothboy]

Actually Bruce brings up a good point. He is absolutely right about the rack and rod moving the ign.switch. I can remember repairing a vehicle with a broken rack assembly that would let you start the vehicle . Upon releasing the key the internal spring in the ign. switch would push the switch from the start position to the run position. when you went to turn the ign.. off the broken rack would not drag the rod back and slide the ign. switch to the off position. Pull your ign. sw. off the top of the column ( two screws) and operate the key up and down. the rod should travel both directions.Inspect your switch at the same time for signs of excessive heating.