I noticed this morning when I went to start my car that when I put the key in the ignition, it went straight in, but it was half way between the offi and accessory positions. I turned it to start and got a click and nothing else. The dash lights came on, then faded out and the check engine light remained on. What is this?! How was it even possible for me to get the keys out of the ignition last night if it wasn't fully in the off position, and why is it possible for me to get them in this morning considering it's stuck half way? My husband said it's a dead batter because it was in the accessory position all night (he's at school--I called him), but would a dead battery cause the check engine light to come on. Actually, I don't even know what the light said. There are two engine lights on the dash--one on the right and one on the left. The one on the right came on, lol. (Sorry--I'm a good driver, but that's about all I know about cars.) It's the same light that comes on when the car has emission problems, I know that much. What's the problem? If the car wasn't fully off, how was I able to get the key out last night?

 

The ignition switch is probably worn enought that the key will come out without being fully off. This might have drained your battery enought so the car wouldn't start, but still have enough power to light the check engine light. Get the battery charged up first, then work on the switch.

 

I remembered that my husband took the car out after I got home from work Friday and when he got home, he left the car in drive, set the parking brake and turned it off. The battery is charged and the car is running again, but we still have a problem with the switch I guess. I'm glad I didn't do it...I never would have heard the end of it!