So this morning on the way to work my car turns off just randomly. Luckily I had enough momentum to pull over. Looked under the hood for anything obvious but didn't see anything wrong. I moved a couple this but the car still wouldn't come on. I was about to leave the car there since I was a couple blocks away from work, but decided to try one last time. It turned on and was able to get to work (20 minutes late).

I did a mass search online to fine any possible causes and found many threads about possible issues. My plan was to work on it on the weekend.

After work it did not turn on the first 2 tries but on the 3rd it turned on. Went to the gas station and was on able to turn the car on after I finished pumping. Called AAA for a tow truck and while I was waiting I began to troubleshoot the problem.

I noticed my dash light did not come on while the ignition was in the II position. If I turn the key alittle more the light would come on but only if I held it alittle past II. I applied this to the III which fully turns on the car. There is a sweet spot that keeps the car on but does not engage starter continuously. I was able to drive the car home, only by holding the key in the sweet spot.

Now trying to figure out the problem. I haven't opened up the column yet, not until this weekend. Any help would be appreciated.

 

If there is any wear in the lock cylinder at all(key comes out while in any position except the 0 position or significant wear etc etc), replace that first since you know you have to. Then, if there are any issues, replace the ignition switch.

Both are fairly easy, the ignition switch is basically two 6mm head bolts, the lock cylinder is basically a pin you need to push in facing you behind the steering wheel and then pull out the key with the old lock cylinder.