2000 Pontiac Grand Prix DRL and Heater control

MCFERRANCE

MEMBER
2000 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX

I have a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 3.1L that has some odd problems with it. It started with intermittently not being able to turn to key switch to lock postion so that the key can be removed (this still happens). It also has intermittent delayed heater blower speed issues. Last night the Daytime Running Lamps would not operate even in the nighttime mode. All lights do work when I turn on the headlight switch though. After I drove 40 miles to get home, the DRL would operate correctly.
Today, the DRL worked correctly 1 time and now when the headlights should be on for DRL, they are not but the parking lights are. The heater control, A/C, and rear window defrost won't work at all. When I turn the heater blower off, the headlights come on.
Is there a common thing that effects all of these issues? How can I proceed further with diagnosis and repairing this?

1 Reply

MCFERRANCE

MEMBER
100 POSTS

I found and corrected the problem.
I took the lower cover off of the steering column and when I would tap on the electrical ignition switch, the heater and DRL would begin to work. I left the cover off for a few days and drove it around. It acted up 2 more times and tapping on the switch would correct it. At times also in the past I would also have a problem with the key turning all the way back to remove it. Tapping on the switch also would correct this.
I have now replaced the ignition switch (cost $100) and have not had an issue since. I also made sure to lube the key switch and operating mechanisms while I had this apart.