My car no longer has the on positionon the ignition. I have to hold it in the on position so it does not stall. Sometimes it does start without holding it. Then it usually stalls multiple times during any trip. Is this my ignition and if so how hard is it to replace?

 

Sounds like a bad ignition switch:

 

There is a recall on ignition switched for the 98. i'd call american honda and make sure your is changed.

 

For other members, are you able to post a link to the TSB/recall that you mention?

 

here is what I see in a google search: url: http://www.internetautoguide.com/aut...vic/index.html


MAY 16, 2002 | Recall ID# 35768 Hide Details


Recall ReasonELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCHRecall DateMAY 16, 2002Model AffectedCIVICPotential Units Affected1000000

Recall Summary
ON CERTAIN SEDANS, COUPES, HATCHBACKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED.

Consequence
WORN CONTACTS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 14, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Notes
AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.

 

Thanks for the helpful post mundy. Many may benefit from it. It appears to affect 1998 Civics. Do you know whether any other Civic years are affected?