When i turn key off it continues to try and start and eventually runs battery down

Stuck ignition relay possible. With hot battery, turn key off and then feel each relay. If you find a hot one, change it.

Will it run with the ignition switch disconnected ?

If you are talking about engine cranking, then you should check for free operation of the starter motor solenoid. This is situated on the top/side of the motor and it\'s job is to engage the starter motor only when the ignition key is turned to the crank position. It is plausible that the solenoid has become corroded, or fused in the closed circuit position.
To check to see if this is the case, remove and clean the starter motor solenoid, and test it\'s operation while off the car.


If you are talking about continuous running, not cranking, then you will best use an endoscope and insert it into the engine\'s cylinders to view the innards. You are looking for a build up of carbon on either the valves, valve stems (when in the open position), pistons, and cylinder head. Also check the condition of the spark plugs for a build up of carbon.
Carbon is a byproduct of combustion, and can build up on some internal engine surfaces. This can cause a number of issues when running. The carbon becomes red hot and can retain it\'s temperature for a long period of time. When you turn off the engine in a carburetor vehicle, then air and fuel can still be drawn into the engine while its momentum winds down. However as the red hot carbon in the cylinders is hot enough to ignite the fuel and air mixture, the engine still runs, still turns and continues to suck in more air and fuel mixture, and continues to operate.
It may operate quite roughly and eventually stall out, as the fuel/air mixture isn\'t as efficiently burned when ignited by hot spots, and the hot spots may eventually cool enough to fail as an ignition source.


These two above examples are perhaps a couple of the most common reasons for an engine continuing to run after the ignition key has been turned to the off position, or has even been removed from the lock/barrel.
The only final reason for the engine managing to keep running after the key has been removed, is a faulty ignition lock/barrel mechanism.

try giggling the shifter or starting it in neutral--possible interlock switch failing. Also could be your anti-theft system--try using other factory key

your starter,solenoid or ignition is no good. but my first choice,i think your solenoid is shorted because when you hook up the battery,it cranks but does not start.that means your ignition switch is still working.

It could be the park/neutral switch, next time it doesn't start try wiggling the shifter in park while turning the key, or shift to neutral and see if that will work. if that doesn't change the problem I would replace the ignition switch.

the keys dont wear out, have you had the alternator checked. it sounds like the alternator might be going bad

Had a similar problem with a '98 2.2L Sonoma. Try replacing the ignition switch and see if that solves the problem.

Could be.

Also the jiggling thing could be a coincidence. :0)

Tell me this.... when you turn the key, do you hear a CLICK?? If so your starter is probably bad.

:0)

it sounds like either your having a short at the starter or the ignition switch is bad, I am leaning towards the issue being the starter, usually when the ignition switch is going bad there will be no click,