I have a 98 civic manual swap and a couple days ago I took the key out of the ignition and the dash lights stayed on and the car didn't turn off I changed the ignition switch and everything but the car still stays on everything works like it should like the radio turns off the ac turns off everything turns off except the cel light any other lights that may be on I can't figure out what's shorted out to keep the car on

 

With the key in the off position, take off fuse box cover in engine bay and take off one fuse at a time..if it turns off while you yank off a certain fuse then you have a short were ever that fuse indicates. In example (car shut off on hazards fuse,that means you have a short were the emergency light button is located,you might need a new button or so)these problems are mostly electrical

 

Make sure to do this when the car is cold,because it will start heating up if the key stays in the off position for too long....because the fan won't turn on.if it's not an electrical short then move on the disconnecting the alternator..and or possibly having the ignition switch checked...but it's doubtfull