The car wont turn off and the engine still runs?

Question

I drive a 1991 Buick Regal Gran Sport
I drove the car home and parked it, and when I turned the key toward me to turn the car off, nothing happened. I can move the key all I want, but the engine is still running. I removed the key and put it in my pocket, yet the car is still running - engine and all. I unplugged the battery while the car was still running (and lived to tell about it). So now the battery is disconnected and the car has stopped, but technically the car is still on. What could've caused this?

Answer 1

If you took you battery connections off and your car died, you have a bad alternator, the vehicle does not require a battery while it is running.

But for the vehicle running after the key has been removed, probably your ignition, have it checked my a certified mechanic.

Please do not listen to my misguided frind below me, he obviously has no idea how a vehicle works, the alternator powers the vehicle while the engine is running, the battery is used by the starter to start the vehicle, after that it uses the alternator to power all accesories and the vehicle. An old test is to disconnect the battery cable to test your alternator. So, once again, please ignore him, have your ignition cylinder checked and if you car died when you unhooked the battery, have your alternator checked.

Answer 2

Car Wont Turn Off

Answer 3

I had the exact same problem happen with my '94 Ford Escort. Although if I had the car in reverse the engine would turn off. But the moment I put it into another gear the engine would start revving.

It's the ignition switch, you're going to have to get the entire thing replaced. I also had to get my serpentine belt replaced altogether it was about $300.

Hopefully I'm wrong.

Answer 4

The cylinder that your key turns could be broken inside.

You would do better to pull the coil wire off of the coil to stop the motor, just be careful, as it can give you quite the shock, (40 to 80 thousand volts but very tiny amperage) wear leather glove(s).

Stopping by disconnecting your battery is, as you have found out, more dangerous.

P.S. you need a connected battery for the car to run! as it is NOT a diesel

Answer 5

To my two friends above me: you are BOTH right and wrong: older cars - before the days of solid-state voltage regulators - will run with a battery disconnected. Newer cars with solid-state voltage regulators will not run after you disconnect the battery. A 1991 is a "newer" car in this sense.

Answer 6

i bought bad gas mixed with higher octane gas and it started to run better then filled up with the higher octane every other fillup

Answer 7

faulty ignition switch