I am new here, but I've searched and cannot find an answer to my issue. My 04 rx8 won't shut off by the key. I have to pull fuse, unhook battery, or stall it. But then my speedometer and dash display is still lit up. I cannot figure this issue out for the life of me. Has me nearly wanting to sell my car just cause it has been so stressful!!

 

Sounds like an ignition key problem...

Does the key move freely in the lock?

is it loose or feel different?

 

Try disconnecting the battery then turn the lights on for 30 seconds to drain all residual power. Turn off lights then reconnect the battery. Not sure if it will work but it may. Ignition switch may also be the issue.

 

Sounds like a bad ignition switch to me. I would replace the ignition switch and go from there.

 

Just out of curiosity, how much does it cost to replace the ignition switch? If it's just the switch it's cheaper than the whole cylinder lock right? Or am I confused on something? I'm feeling the need to penny pinch, as I recently bought a new anvil - those things are so expensive! - source

 

Shouldn’t be very much. I did one on another car for $125 including labor.

 

The key turns the same as it always has. I've drained the battery, but not sure to the lights being on. Don't know if that matters...

 

Its just to drain the residual power after taking off the battery terminal. Can sometimes fix electrical gremlins. If it doesn't, I would suggest to replace the ignition switch.

 

Sorry to activate old thread but I’m have a similar problem …. I bought a 2004 rx8 6speed 88k mi It turns over and starts right up but it’s stuck in limp mode so it just sits in my drive way and eats money lol but back to the issue I’m having an electrical issue where I have constant power to dash light ( I corrected this by use of the switch under the dash and pulling battery terminal so it doesn't kill the new battery I just bought for it…..when I do fire up the car which it fires right up but when I turn the key off my radio and heater shut off but the dash and car stay on I have replace relays for ignition and the ignition switch same problem could the key tumbler be shot or am I looking for a short