ignition switch won't shut off car...

[mjkacz2000]

I have a E36.. 98 328I, the ignition switch works, it starts the car and shuts off the engine... but it no longer shuts off the power. the odometer digits stays lit, the clock stays lit, the radio stays on, the windows still work.... all after I take the key out.

the key fob also will no longer lock or unlock the doors, but the key in the door lock will lock the car.

I killed the battery today, because the fog lights stayed on, and the buzzer never buzzed when I took out the key... it is like the key never came out of the ignition....

the power always stayed on until I openeed the drivers door, so is there some kind of interlock that is broken, or does it sound like an ignition switch?

help!

[GardenBeast]

sounds like your tumbler is going. it's like it won't go back past the first position. but the door thing sounds odd.... try this, i had a similar problem, but my engine wouldn't shut off.

take the bottom part of the column off (the plastic part) and you'll see a red thing on the left hand side, opposite the key hole. that's the ignition switch itself. two wax plugs cover two small flat head screws. loosen the screws, and you'll be able to pull the switch to the left. where it connected to the column, you'll see a little pin shaped like a T. gently turn it back towards the rear of the car, and then do the same with what it connects to in the switch itself. this should help.
if it does, every time you start the car or turn off the car, press IN HARD on the key.

or buy a new tumbler, which isn't fun to replace...

[mjkacz2000]

I took the plastic piece off the bottom, I found the little screws and loosened them, but it didn't seem to make anything movable. the issue is really weird, because the idiot lights all go like the key is working properly, but all the electrical stuff stays on (wipers, windows, radio...).

I used to be able to take the key out and still listen to the radio and close the windows as long as I didn't open any of the doors. as soon as any door opened everything would shut off. that is the part that isn't working any longer.

is there a relay somewhere that kills th epower when the door is opened? the buzzer that used to remind me to turn off the lights doesn't work, and the key FOB isn't locking the doors anylonger either.

thanks for the help....

[GardenBeast]

no. you still gotta loosen the screws more. i took mine out the first time... then it comes off. trust me.... get that thing off.

it's your ignition. it's still "on" kinda. get that switch off, and reset the pin, and switch.

i spent many an hour figuring this shit out, in -25C weather.

[mjkacz2000]

ok, I will try it again tomorrow and let you know what happens.

[GardenBeast]

okay. get that red switch off, and you'll be able to re set it all. and then.... press IN on the key to start/kill engine. or you'll be doing this again. like i have 2 or 3 times already.