1992 Pontiac Grand Am Car won't stay started

INFINIT_Z3R0

MEMBER
1992 PONTIAC GRAND AM

Electrical problem
1992 Pontiac Grand Am 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

I recently purchased a Pontiac Grand Am and it has a problem of staying on. When I turn the ignition switch all the way on the car starts but when I let go of the key it turns off. The car will stay on if I turn the ignition on and hold it back a little but if I completely let go then the car turns off. It appears as though the ignition switch won't stay where its supposed to to keep the car at idle position. What should I do/replace to make this go away? Is there a way to fix it or do I have to replace something?

4 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Hi infinit_z3r0, Welcome to and TY for the donation

****if I turn the ignition on and hold it back a little but if I completely let go then the car turns off****

Sounds like the ignition switch ignition circuit is open due to open contact/wiring on the ignition switch-Inspect and test the switch-

If you can power the coil from the battery positive to the coil positive terminal and continues to run-this confirm a defective ignition switch

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Saturday, February 6th, 2010 AT 7:03 PM

INFINIT_Z3R0

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2 POSTS

So I just went outside to put the windows up because it is raining and the car is dead, I think the battery went out, would that problem cause the battery to drain?

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Saturday, February 6th, 2010 AT 7:13 PM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Sounds like there's a short circuit draining the battery

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Saturday, February 6th, 2010 AT 7:32 PM

LOWRIDER66

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I had the same problem its the spring in the ignition switch, you will have to replace the lock cylinder when you buy one make sure it fits which trans you have auto or manual it makes a difference hope this helps.

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Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 AT 6:18 PM