Help!

[tree369]

I have a 92 toyota corolla with a ton of miles and now she wont start.

The car died on me at a redlight while idiling a couple of days ago. I called a friend and got a jump, making it to the local autoparts store who assured me the issue was my 2 year old Battery, and that my alternator and everything else was fine. I replaced the Battery and a day later the car died again.

This time i removed the altenator and took it in to have it tested which they stated was the issue. I replaced the altenator, charged the Battery, and the car would turn over and attempt to start, and if given gas (pumped the pedal while i had the key in the start position) would usually start, but as soon as i let go of the key from the start position to allow it to turn to the on position it dies...regardless of whether i give it gas or not.

I then decided to replace the ignition switch which i felt might have been the issue. The issue remains. You can hear the starter the entire time i have the key turned to the start position whether it is running or not...but as soon as i let go of the key silence and the car dies of course...

Oh and i have checked all fuses which are good to go

Anyone have any ideas or run into this problem before? I would really appreciate it and love to get the corolla back up and running!

[Twincam.GTi]

That really does sound like a 'short' in the ignition barrel (but supprised it has not blown a fuse). You can get to the ignition barrel (if memory serves me right) by taking the lower part of the dash away (2 or 4 screws) then put the key in the 1st postion and pressing the little brass 'button' behind the barrel it will pop out (the manual shows this).

[tree369]

Could the tumbler and lock cylinder itself be causing a short? I already replaced the electronics behind it via the ignition switch. I wasnt aware that the barrell could in itself cause a short.

I will check into that tonight after work though.

Also could it possibly be the efi relay or something of that nature...i was studying the ignition switch schematics earlier today and it appears that this is about the only thing that is bypassed when in the start position rather than the on position of the key. I figured this could be causing fuel cut which would cause the car to die....but once again a pure theory.

Any thoughts?

[Twincam.GTi]

It may be the relay,

Also on some cars wasn't there a 'cut off switch' around the fuel pump area or at the petrol tank area as a safety feature for if the car was in an accident, I know that the US Market late 80's Ford Escort/laser had this feature 'cause I had to sort one out that had been brought over to my side of the pond.