Odd starting problem

The contacts in the ignition are the problem. it can be taken apart and cleaned

Try checking the electrical part of your ignition switch it is located right there in the steering column and normally plugs into the back of the ignition cylinder (where your key goes in) i had a similar problem on my 91 civic except i had to hold the key in place or the car would not crank or it would shut off if i let go off the key after i replaced the electrical part of the ignition switch i never had another problem. good luck

Hi from uk not sure on your model but if your ignition has ballast resistor ie main ign circuit voltage for running is lower 9volt??? say but for a boost start 12 volts is applied when ignition key start position turning engine over ? ok so far ? your problem may be that the ballast (boost 12v ) circuit has failed this results in how when you have ign on it will start as you release starter and engine still has momentum? datsuns use to suffer with this type of ign but with the opposite effect ie car would fire/ attempt to start on key start but stopped when starter was released their ballast resisror was on n/s inner wing and looked rectangular porcelin block with a coiled resistor wire in side for reducing voltage these used to burn out check h/book on ign system ? hope this is of some help ?