Bad Ignition switch?
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=46427
Printed Date: May 12, 2024 at 8:32 PM
Topic: Bad Ignition switch?
Posted By: mobile1
Subject: Bad Ignition switch?
Date Posted: December 30, 2004 at 8:38 PM
I put a viper 160 remote start and keyless into an 03 grand am today. Here's my problem: Everything works fine until I try to learn the tach. I put the key in the ignition, but the key won't turn. Now before you start asking the basics, yes it was in park, and no the steering wheel was not locked. Actually the wheel should lock when you turn it and the igniton is off, but it didn't. (first clue). When I started the car to learn the passlock resistance on the 555L, everything was fine. No wiring is cut, no plugs disconnected, passlock wires are fine, and I'm stumped. I came to the conclusion the ignition switch is bad. Something mechanical internally must have broken, but I'm not sure. Any other thoughts? Anyone seen this before???
Replies:
Posted By: auex
Date Posted: December 30, 2004 at 8:57 PM
The key won't even turn right? Flip the key over, if the key was cut badly this should work. Other wise ask the customer if this has happened in the past.
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Certified Security Specialist
Always check info with a digital multimeter.
I promise to be good.
Tell Darwin I sent you.
I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.
Posted By: mobile1
Date Posted: December 30, 2004 at 9:06 PM
key is cut on both sides, no help flipping. I also tried a different key from the cust. no help. He just bought the car 2 weeks ago, so needless to say, he's never had the problem before. thanks for the reply. any other suggestions?
Posted By: Alpine Guy
Date Posted: December 30, 2004 at 9:11 PM
I don't think anything electrically can cause it to not turn, , so im guessing its another one of GM's quality products.
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2003 Chevy Avalanche,Eclipse CD7000,Morel Elate 5,Adire Extremis,Alpine PDX-4.150, 15" TC-3000, 2 Alpine PDX-1.1000, 470Amp HO Alt.
Posted By: mobile1
Date Posted: December 30, 2004 at 9:17 PM
I'm sick and tired of Remote Starters and GM's. For some d*mn reason, There's always a problem. 99% of the time its the vehicle and not the installation. Living in MN, I will never buy a GM because of that.
Posted By: mobile1
Date Posted: December 30, 2004 at 9:19 PM
So, my assumption was that the ignition locked mechanically and not electrically. If any one knows 100% for sure otherwise, please let me know. If not I think I'll be in the clear on this one. We're having the dealership tow it in the morning, and I've already all but guarenteed no insurance claim on this one. Thanks all
Posted By: auex
Date Posted: December 30, 2004 at 9:25 PM
Well you could try throwing the front end up on stands and mess with turning the wheels. Or you could pull the column apart and see if there is anything preventing it from rotating, I have actually seen this on a chrysler minivan. You could also take the cylinder out and see if it will turn.
-------------
Certified Security Specialist
Always check info with a digital multimeter.
I promise to be good.
Tell Darwin I sent you.
I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.
Posted By: IMAGE6902
Date Posted: December 30, 2004 at 11:46 PM
The ignition switch is a VERY common problem on grand am's. I've replaced a bunch of them and actually learned a few cool tricks because of it. The grand am's do not have a steering wheel lock on them. it's a shifter lock cable from the switch to the shifter. Replacing the switch is pretty easy, two 10 mm bolts, two ignition harnesses unplug, but the only catch is to unhook the shifter cable, the key has to be in the on position. You can get them used at the junkyard for about 30-50 bucks, but at the dealer they're 150. you also need to reprogram the antitheft system after installing the new switch. this is done by starting the car with the new switch installed, and it will put the car into theft mode (security light will blink). leave the key on until the security light either goes solid or goes out. Here's the cool trick: the grand am's, you only have to do the reset procedure once, on other cars with the same switch in the dash(monte carlo/cutlass/malibu) you have to do it three times. use this knowledge for good, not evil... I've had three grand am's lock up intermittently like that and then finally crap out and not turn at all, I had a monte carlo where the orange accessory circuit was dropping out inside the switch. I even had an 04 envoy ignition switch go bad! gotta love new cars!
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I tell it like it is...
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