It would crank but not get fuel?

LASTRANGE

MEMBER
2004 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
2.2L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
223,000 MILES

Hello. My brother recently tried to hotwire my car destroying my ignition in the process. I have removed the old lock cylinder and tried to replace the ignition on my own, but I think I did it wrong because my car only ran again for a couple days before it started not turning over at all. It would crank but not get fuel and my dash lights none of them work. Just the security light. So, I'm not a mechanic so I took my new ignition back out, but when I did this piece that the ignition fit into came out too. I tried to put that piece back in but now it's stuck in the on position and my ignition won't line up to this piece to go back in. How do I get that piece to turn back into the off position? And how do I properly install this new lock cylinder I have?

Thursday, July 24th, 2025 AT 2:33 PM

3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
54,137 POSTS

Yep, the ignition tumbler gears need to line up for the switch to activate correctly. If you can upload images of the problem, it will help me to see what needs to be done. Here are the instructions on how to reinstall the new key lock tumbler for the ignition switch. Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes.

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Friday, July 25th, 2025 AT 10:00 AM

LASTRANGE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Okay, I have removed the ignition switch, but that middle piece still won't come out. So, as it's sitting right now the key and lock cylinder are out and so is the ignition switch. What are my next steps?

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Friday, July 25th, 2025 AT 12:49 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
54,137 POSTS

Thanks for the images. I would reinstall the ignition switch part (first picture) two screws. Next, use a long, large standard screwdriver and work the ignition key tumbler engagement slot to confirm the switch is working correctly. Next, orientate the tumbler so the slot and the tab of the tumbler line up and then install the tumbler, and you should be good to go, make sure to install the pass lock sensor or the security system will not disable. That brings us to the programming:

Turn the key to the ON position (do not crank) and leave it ON for 10 minutes.

The security light will stay on. When it turns off, continue.

Turn the key to OFF for 5 seconds.

Repeat steps 2 and 3 two more times for a total of 3 cycles / 30 minutes.

If this does not work, you will need to be done by a locksmith for about $150.00.

Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems.

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Friday, July 25th, 2025 AT 1:20 PM