Key turns free but will not engage starter

Tiny
JNEWMAN2010
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 CADILLAC CATERA
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 98,000 MILES
Key turns free but will not engage starter. When switch is turned to off position dash indicator lights(check engine, oil pressure, etc.) Stay on as if switch were in run position. Only way to disengage lights is to disconnect the battery. When battery is reconnected interior powers up as if switch is on. I assume switch is bad staying in run position and not engaging starter? I assume the switch has tumblers as it is keyed? Thoughts or ideas?
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010 AT 7:35 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
FACTORYJACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,159 POSTS
The electrical portion of the switch is seperate from the keyed portion unless the lock cylinder has broken in some way. However, the column needs to be dismantled to get to the switch.

Ignition Switch Replacement - On Vehicle
Removal Procedure
Caution: This vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System. Failure to follow the correct procedure could cause the following conditions:

"Â Air bag deployment

"Â Personal injury

"Â Unnecessary SIR system repairs

In order to avoid the above conditions, observe the following guidelines:
"Â Refer to SIR Component Views in order to determine if you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring.

"Â If you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System.

Disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in Restraints.
Remove the steering wheel inflator module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement in Restraints.
Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement.
Remove the tilt lever. Refer to Tilt Lever Replacement - On Vehicle.
Remove the screw caps from the upper steering column cover.
Remove the screws from the upper steering column cover.
Remove the upper steering column cover.

Remove the screws from the lower steering column cover.
Remove the lower steering column cover.
Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement.

Remove the ignition switch set screw.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
Remove the lifting magnet from the ignition switch.
Insert a small flatbladed tool into the ignition switch electrical connector hole in order to depress the locking tab.
Disconnect the electrical connector from the ignition switch.

Disconnect the electrical connector from the theft deterent module (1).
Remove the theft deterent module (1) from the ignition lock cylinder housing.
Remove the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement - On Vehicle.

Pull ignition switch toward the rear of the vehicle and slide to the left to remove the ignition switch from the ignition lock cylinder housing.
Installation Procedure

Install the ignition switch to the lock cylinder housing.

Install the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement - On Vehicle.
Install the theft deterent module (1) to the ignition lock cylinder housing.
Connect the electrical connector to the theft deterent module (1).

Connect the electrical connector to the ignition switch.
Install the ignition switch set screw until fully seated and not stripped.
Install the lifting magnet to the ignition switch.
Install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement in Restraints.

Install the lower steering column cover.
Install the screws to the lower steering column cover.

Install the upper steering column cover.
Install the screws to the upper steering column cover.
Install the screw caps to the upper steering column cover.
Install the tilt lever. Refer to Tilt Lever Replacement - On Vehicle.
Install the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Replacement.
Install the steering wheel inflator module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement in Restraints.
Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in Restraints.
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Wednesday, April 21st, 2021 AT 12:43 PM
Tiny
RAVENBONAHM
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Thank you for this info, It helped out a lot. I had the problem with the ignition cylinder post that goes into the ignition switch snapped off. And it also shattered the inside of the ignition switch. Your instructions was spot on. I am going to record a video of how to take it apart and put it back together and post later with the instructions that are posted now and this anyone should be able to tackle this themselves. Thanks again. Raven
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Wednesday, April 21st, 2021 AT 12:43 PM

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