I have been experiencing a strange problem with my Volvo 244, Though I could rebuild my engine no problem, I'm no electrical system expert so I need help with this.

My car starts and runs just fine and when I shut it off are no anomalies. However, if I put my key in and turn it to the run position to listen to my radio while I clean the interior or something, then turn the key off and take it out (length of time does not seem to matter, it could be 5 seconds or 20 minutes), the radio will stay on and the small buzz of the fuel pump persists. I have to start the car to take the keys out unless I want leave things on and kill my battery. I'm thinking it may be a sticky relay, but I'm honestly stumped and I don't want to replace anything on a hunch and waste my terribly sparse cash flow.

 

I'd go for a faulty (worn) ignition switch.

 

Do you think an ignition switch would function in this way if worn? What would cause it to turn off when the engine has run but not if the car hasn't started?

 

Yes that would cause the problem. You can try to spray some WD40 inside the barrel of the lock to clean it out. It might not be returning all tabs to the exact resting position. Why not do it when your car was running? Who knows, goblins probably.