Former switched circuits are now always on.

[BajaHam]

Last week I turned my 2005 Baja off when I got to work, but the engine kept running. Not dieseling, but it actually kept running with the key in the off position. So I rotated the key back to run, then back off, and the engine shut down like normal.

But ever since then, any electrical component that is on a switched circuit - one that turns off when the key is off, like the cigarette lighter - remains on even when the ignition switch is in the off position. I’m trying to figure out what the heck happened.

I figure the first place to start is in the mechanical/electrical interface behind the ignition key lock on the steering column. I have a wrecked 2001 Outback for parts and I'm thinking to just swap out the ignition key lock components. Has anyone done surgery into that part of their Baja?

[anarchy1024]

Do you have an aftermarket remote starter, alarm, or audio equipment? Those usually tap into both constant power and switched power, so a wiring issue there or faulty device could possibly cause those symptoms. It could also be the normal operating mode for some remote starters and turbo timers.

[BajaHam]

There may be a remote start installed by a previous owner (because there's a glass-mount antenna and a box or two under the dash I don't recognize), but I have no remote for it. Actually right now I'm suspecting the rotor switch mounted at the back end of the ignition key cylinder. I pulled one off my 2001 Outback parts car and I'll swap it in and see if that makes any difference. If not, it's time for more serious diagnosing.