300tdi 130 - turns over but stops when I let go off key

[synthium]

Hi everyone my 300tdi defender 130 starts but won't keep running when I let go of the key and it moves back to normal on position. It did this earlier in the day but on second turn worked so I thought I must have let go of the key before it properly cranked. I drove probably about 80ks today and stopped/started a few times. It was only after parking and coming back after dinner that it wouldn't keep running.
One thing of note- there was this almost fishy smell at one point that seemed to be coming from the car. No idea if related. This was about 10mins before I stopped the car for the last time.
anyway car is left where it was and I had to get a taxi home as we had our young children with us and it was getting late. I didn't have time to trouble shoot. I will likely organise a tow tomorrow unless I can get to it before work and somehow get it started.
Amyone have any ideas or suggestions?
Thanks
JP

[synthium]

To add to this it will rev as long as I hold the key full turned.

[rangieman]

Ignition switch ?
Run a power wire to your injection pump so it is powered up and try and start then[wink11]

[synthium]

Thanks for that. I had some electrical work done and they put a switch in my steering column. This was 3 weeks ago- could it be related

[Don 130]

Thanks for that. I had some electrical work done and they put a switch in my steering column. This was 3 weeks ago- could it be related

It could be. Is there a mobile auto electrician ( or suitably qualified mate)who could check out the installation?
Don.

[synthium]

Hi Don130 - ended up getting it towed (thank god for roadside assistance) and had the mechanics look at it.
Was the ignition as thought.
Quickly fixed up and cheaper than what was quoted so i was happy.
Thanks for your help