I have a honda civic ex 96, when I put in the key to start the car.. none of the lights come on.. but if I slowly start turning the carn on... then I get all the lights on the dash (oil/bat/etc).. as I keep turning.. they go off.. but car starts.. once I let go of the key the car cuts off... does anyone know what this means?

Just incase.. I do get an immediate shutdown... seems to me like the ignition is busted and I need to either get a new key coded for it.. or get a new one
plugged in to my steering wheel.

 

you're probable correct on your ignition is going bad. it is not hard to change your ignition. If you go to autozone.com and sign in for free, there is a repair section to show you how to change. and the site also will show you est costs on parts.
Going to mag auto parts (member on this forum) the parts if over a small amount shipping free. If you go to hondaautomotiveparts.com ( majestic honda ) they also will give you a parts diagram and cost.

 

nice suggestion..very informative..thats right your ignition is going bad. it is not hard to change your ignition..its as easy as installing a new Alternator..