Ignition switch

Tiny
ANTHONY71
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 109,000 MILES
The car periodically will crank but won't start. Had the codes checked, and it said intermittent ignition failure. So I am wondering if I can replace the ignition switch myself, and if I need any special tools to do so? Thank you.
Wednesday, March 20th, 2019 AT 1:58 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon,

Can you give me the code number? Codes never tell you to replace anything. They tell you an area of failure.

Roy

IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT

REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the instrument panel (I/P) accessory trim plate.
3. Remove the I/P cluster.

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4. Remove the bolts from the ignition switch.

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5. Reposition the ignition switch for ease of removal.
6. Insert the key and turn the ignition lock cylinder to the ON/RUN position.

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7. Press the transaxle park/lock cable retainer to release the retainer, then pull to remove the park/lock cable from the ignition switch.
8. Remove the lock cylinder from the ignition switch:
8.1. Depress and hold the ignition lock cylinder detent.
8.2. Turn the key to the ON/RUN position.
8.3. Pull the ignition lock cylinder out with the key.

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9. Disconnect the Passlock electrical connector from the ignition switch.

IMPORTANT: Remove the ignition lock cylinder before you remove the Passlock electrical connector.

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10. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the ignition switch.
11. Remove the ignition switch through the I/P cluster opening.
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Wednesday, March 20th, 2019 AT 4:24 PM
Tiny
ANTHONY71
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Thanks so much for the instructions. I can't remember if the guy even said or had a code number. He just read to me that it said intermittent ignition failure? I went ahead and purchased the ignition switch and will be installing it tomorrow. I found a video online of someone doing the removal and install that looks doable. Wish me luck. Thanks again.
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Wednesday, March 20th, 2019 AT 4:38 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Wednesday, March 20th, 2019 AT 4:41 PM
Tiny
ANTHONY71
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
One more question. Do I need to disconnect the airbags while replacing the ignition switch?
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Thursday, March 21st, 2019 AT 10:40 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
As long as it is the dash mounted switch, no.

Roy
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Thursday, March 21st, 2019 AT 11:01 AM
Tiny
ANTHONY71
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Okay, thanks Roy.
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Thursday, March 21st, 2019 AT 11:03 AM
Tiny
ANTHONY71
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Got the ignition switch in car starts and drives but my blinkers don't work now. No sound whatsoever.
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Thursday, March 21st, 2019 AT 2:04 PM
Tiny
ANTHONY71
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
My bad! Forgot to plug the hazard button back in. All good. You guys are great!
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Thursday, March 21st, 2019 AT 2:11 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good find!

You are welcome.

Thank you for using 2CarPros.

Roy
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Thursday, March 21st, 2019 AT 3:12 PM

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