2002 Chevy Cavalier

Tiny
INDIGOPHONE
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 91,000 MILES
Ignition stuck in ON position. Had to pull fuse to stop engine. Gear shifter locked in park. Radio, A/C control, clock won't work. I messed with some silver switch under the driver side. I thought it was to disable the security system, and then the clock or anything hasn't worked since. If you need further information or a picture please let me know.
Friday, August 6th, 2010 AT 10:29 AM

20 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi indigophone,

Thank you for the donation.

Need some clarification.

Is it the key is stuck in ON or the ignition switch itself?

A picture of the switch you referred to would help in understanding the problem.

When fuses are pulled, the gear shifter can be stuck in park as there is no power to activate the interlock solenoid to release the lock.
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Friday, August 6th, 2010 AT 12:57 PM
Tiny
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The switch is stuck on ON. The key is not stuck. It came right out with little force if any at all. The ignition can be turned to start the car. But once it is turned it cannot be turned off by the ignition switch.

Unfortunately I cannot take a picture now because the car was towed to a shop. I kind of just want to make sure the mechanic doesn't rip me off.
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Friday, August 6th, 2010 AT 5:37 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Symptoms indicates a faulty ignition switch and that should be the first thing to check.

Let me know what the mechanics says and we shall see if his suggestion is logical.
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Saturday, August 7th, 2010 AT 6:25 AM
Tiny
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I guess they believe the anti-theft system has something to do with it because they are dismantling the aftermarket alarm in the car. Apparently the alarm is hooked into the car's main fuse box. I am not sure if this is what is causing the electrical problems.
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Saturday, August 7th, 2010 AT 3:25 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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If the after market system includes a remote start, it can cause the problem indicated, otherwise it should not.
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Saturday, August 7th, 2010 AT 11:42 PM
Tiny
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What about the electrical components not getting any power such as the radio, A/C, clock. The gauges also do not come up. The only thing that displays is the mileage.

Would a faulty ignition switch cause electrical problems such as those?
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Sunday, August 8th, 2010 AT 4:46 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Yes, a faulty ignition switch can cause some of those. It is divided into 2 sections, the ACC and the Run circuit. If only one circuit is working, those related to it would be ok. Another thinig that you mentioned about pulling fuses, those could be affecting those that are working.
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Sunday, August 8th, 2010 AT 7:09 AM
Tiny
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I will let you know what the mechanic says tommorrow.
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Sunday, August 8th, 2010 AT 8:11 AM
Tiny
INDIGOPHONE
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After they replaced the ignition switch they claimed that they had to have the key coded by GM. My car does not have a chip in the key. Now they are claiming a problem with the "anti-theft modular" is preventing the car from starting after the ignition has been installed. I am going to tow the car away from this shop since they cannot fix the problem.
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Thursday, August 12th, 2010 AT 8:37 AM
Tiny
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If the key is not chipped, it should not be the cause. It could be the anti-theft but not the immobilozer.

Can you give me an update of the present condition?
Vehicle cannot be started, cna it be cranked?
Are sparks present? If yes, are they bright blue? Does using starting fluid make any difference?
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Thursday, August 12th, 2010 AT 8:41 AM
Tiny
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Unfortunately the car is at the shop still and I have not seen it again yet. I have no clue what the current state of the car is in, but I fear it is even worse now.
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Thursday, August 12th, 2010 AT 8:54 AM
Tiny
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Try to gather information from the mechanic about what is wrong and get his opinion and suggestions for an idea.

DO not attempt or allow him tp proceed with anything that he is not sure of unless he can give you a guarantee to resolve the problem.
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Thursday, August 12th, 2010 AT 9:20 AM
Tiny
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The car can now come out of park. The ignition switch was replaced. But the engine cranks but does not start.
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Thursday, August 12th, 2010 AT 10:29 AM
Tiny
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What is your plan now?
Take vehicle back and perform the diagnostics yourself or leave it with the mechanic?
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Thursday, August 12th, 2010 AT 10:46 AM
Tiny
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The mechanics are looking over all of the electrical components last time I called them trying to determine why the car will not start. The car is more than likely going to be towed away later to someone else. I will let you know if the mechanics give me any news.

Is there any questions I should ask the mechanics about the problem?
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Thursday, August 12th, 2010 AT 11:03 AM
Tiny
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Ask them what they have checked so far and if any component was substituted to test.
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Thursday, August 12th, 2010 AT 11:37 AM
Tiny
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They told me it is a problem with the Body Control Module. They said it has to be reflashed at a dealership. I have no idea what that is.
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Thursday, August 12th, 2010 AT 11:37 AM
Tiny
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The BCM is a component of the control system. It is possible for it to be the cause.
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Thursday, August 12th, 2010 AT 1:11 PM
Tiny
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But what are other possible causes?
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Thursday, August 12th, 2010 AT 1:17 PM
Tiny
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There are many other possible causes and is going to take a while to list them out.

Without knowing the physical condition and symptoms, it is not possible to determine what is wrong.

You have to carry out test step by step to locate the source
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Thursday, August 12th, 2010 AT 1:52 PM

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