Broken switch

Tiny
CHEVERLETS10
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 CHEVROLET S-10
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 20,000 MILES
I lost my keys and took it up on my own to break the switch out and now it will not crank. I was having some issues with the starter dragging so I replaced it. Now it will not crank only turns over.
Thursday, June 14th, 2018 AT 6:02 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,118 POSTS
Being a 1999 it has a Pass-lock security sensor built into the switch housing and a magnet that passes the sensor that is part of the ignition cylinder. The sensor also has a tamper function that will activate the anti-theft system and stop the engine from starting as it shuts off fuel to the engine.

Depending on what parts you decided to break to try to get it to run will determine what you need to do to repair it. If it was only the ignition cylinder (the part that holds the key and rotates to turn the ignition switch in the rear of the housing) you might be able to have a dealer order a replacement cylinder with the original key cut so you do not need to change the other locks or take a chance with carrying two different keys (as accidentally trying to use the wrong key could damage the replacement cylinder by jamming the tumblers).
An automotive locksmith could do the same thing and might be cheaper.
If on the other hand the housing that the ignition cylinder goes into was also damaged, you would likely be better off finding a replacement steering column with at least one key and swapping the entire column. Then you can use the key to remove and replace that ignition cylinder with a replacement set up to match the old keys.

In both cases the system will need to have the security system codes cleared and with a different column the replacement sensor will need to be programmed in.

If you take a few clear close images of what you removed and the column and ignition housing and load them on this sight it would be easier to determine which way would work.
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Friday, June 15th, 2018 AT 1:56 AM
Tiny
CHEVERLETS10
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Now I have a Chevrolet S-10 that will not crank. I put a fuel pump on about three months ago. Just the other day it started being hesitant about cranking, now it will not crank at all. I have checked the fuses none are blown. I can spray gas in the air flow in to the air flow tube it will run but when I quit it stops running. Please help.
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Monday, June 25th, 2018 AT 3:06 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,118 POSTS
If this is the same one with the broken switch that is what the pass-lock system does if tampered with. It will shut off the fuel to the injectors. Until that sensor is replaced and programmed in the security system will stay on.
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+2
Tuesday, June 26th, 2018 AT 6:53 PM
Tiny
CHEVERLETS10
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks Steve, I will be in touch.
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Saturday, June 30th, 2018 AT 11:43 AM
Tiny
CHEVERLETS10
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Steve, my s10 finally cranked and I drove it for about five hours and now it will not crank. It will turn over but will not start. Any suggestions?
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Friday, July 6th, 2018 AT 8:17 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,118 POSTS
Still most likely to be the security system. What does the security light on the dash do when you try to start it?
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Saturday, July 7th, 2018 AT 2:56 AM

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