2003 JD 230 LC starting issue??

New to the site.. Thanks in advance for any help... My uncle is having an issue with a hoe looking for some direction. I have not seen the unit yet going there next week just thought id post on here maybe get some insight so all info is second hand. It intermittently won't start and he says there is some plunger / solenoid on the side of the engine that he has to wrap a tarp strap around and pull on it and leave it on to keep the excavator running. While the strap is on the key basically doesn't function u have to release the strap for the plunger / solenoid and then it shuts off. he said he tried a different key and it seemed to work ok for a bit not it is doing the same thing.. he is thinking it is and ignition switch issue?? Basically though with the strap pulling on this plunger/ solenoid he said it starts everytime but just has no shutdowns unless the strap is released.. Sorry not sure if anyone is going to understand that but any help would be great. Thanks

2003 JD 230 LC starting issue??