I have an '82 with 131K, 5spd with a/c and cruise, no power steering that will not stay running. It started with a wierd problem of just shutting off while driving down the highway, any gear or speed. Just like you switch the ignition off. Turn the key off and then back on, it would continue to run. Lost all power accessories including tach until switched off and back on. Don't think it's battery related because the clock and radio keep time and presets.

Now it will not run, it will start and as soon as I release the key, when it switches from start to the on position, it dies. Will start right back up every time with the same outcome. If I hold the key in the on position after the starter disengages, I can keep it running as long as I don't release the key, as soon as I do, it will die. While this is taking place, I have no dash lights or signal lights or any accessories with the key in the run position. If I turn back to acc, my dash lights and accessories work. I have also noted, there is no whine from the fuel pump that I am accustomed to hearing once I turn the key to the run position. I have checked all the fuses in the fuse box on the underside of the drivers dash, all are good.

No sputter or cough, just shuts off. Any help is appreciated. I'ved had (4) RX-7s but never this problem. It's stock, with new starter, plugs, wires, cap and rotor button. Has always ran strong and smooth, steady idle, no lag or carb flooding.

 

The symptoms you describe, lead me to believe the ignition switch itself is the cause.

 

It's the electrical portion of the ignition switch that is bad.

 

Thanks for the info, was leaning toward the ignition switch. I'll check the wiring from the switch for bad connections and go from there. The lock portion of the switch seems to function correctly.

 

Thanks for the help, it was the electrical portion of the switch. The large white wire with the red stripe, it was full of corrosion. Made a new terminal end, cleaned all the contacts in the switch and replaced the wire back to it's first connection. Started right up the first try. Thanks again.

 

Glad we were able to help.Thanks for posting your results too. It will help others in the future.