My mk 4 spit is turning over and firing with the ignition key open but shuts off as soon as I let the key go. Any ideas?

-You mean is it too much fuel inside the cylinder because to fail to fired? And now can't start or start but no fired ?
-Yes. But in this case you need to manually start the car with wide open throttle (Press gas pedal all the way down before start. As soon as it start or fired then let the gas pedal return back to normal). After this time it'll be back to normal.

Good luck

mai

sounds like the tumblers in the ignition are going bad. if so it will need to be replaced

check that the cam shaft is turning . Back firing is a timing issue as it indicates ignition too early (inlet valve still open ) or valve timing out ( inlet valve opening too soon). Check that the immobiliser is operational.

do you hear your fuel pump kick on when you you turn the key?

The firing order for a 1998 Ford Expedition is 1-3-2-7-6-5-4-8 for the 4.6 liter, 2wd model.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Original Launch X431 Master

Sounds like a loose connection. Check all battery and starter connections for clean and tight connections.

It's probably your regular scheduled maintenance (oil change) light. Here's how you can reset that:

1. Turn the key to "on" so the electrical system is fired up (but engine is not running)

2. Set trip planner to "A" trip.

3. Turn key off (no electrical)

4. Hold down trip button, then turn key to "on" so the electrical system is fired up (but engine is not running).

5. "Maint Req" light will blink several times and then go off.

Good luck!

1. Turn the key to "on" so the electrical system is fired up (but engine is not running)

2. Set trip planner to "A" trip.

3. Turn key off (no electrical)

4. Hold down trip planner button, then turn key "on" so the electrical system is fired up (but engine is not running).

5. "Maint Req" light will blink several times then go off.

could be a problem with the MAP sensor. I have a 93 escort and it had a simalar prob and it was just a dirty map sensor. I cleaned it and it is running exelent now.

turn it on for ten min. the theft light will stay on then without turning ignition off just start worked for my cavalier