Just purchased an 87 Wagon that had been sitting for about 10 years. Unbelievably, she starts great, runs strong, transmission works, but she has tons of less major problems.

One such problem is that when I go to switch the car off, the key spins the ignition to the off position but the engine doesn't shut off! The only way I can turn off the car is by stalling it which...well isn't great obviously.

Any advice? Could need a new ignition switch or maybe its a relay? I'd prefer not to buy an entirely new ignition cylinder.

 

Take the plastic cover off the steering column. Undo the 2 screws holding the electrical portion of the ignition switch onto the steering column lock. You can use a screwdriver to turn the switch (on, off, start) and figure out what's not working.