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Old Jan 15, 2020 | 03:05 PM
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My 02 automatic will sometimes only stay running if I hold the key in the start position for a few seconds. It will then run well for days at a time. I’ve cleaned grounds and changed ignition switch. Any ideas ? Please help. I’m getting desperate


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Old Jan 15, 2020 | 03:31 PM
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Sure sounds like a bad ignition switch to me...did you use an OEM (AC Delco) ignition switch or an aftermarket (say Dorman) ??...did you scan for any DTC's (codes) using the DIC ??...this may give you some direction...what if you turn the key to on...do you hear the fuel pump prime for 2 seconds ??...do this say 5 times and see if you hear the pump turn on each time...BTW, which grounds were cleaned ??

Last edited by C5 Diag; Jan 15, 2020 at 04:00 PM.
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Old Jan 15, 2020 | 04:11 PM
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Def bad ignition switch issue. Did you use gm parts? Who installed it? Been down this road before.

Last edited by STRMLNE; Jan 15, 2020 at 04:12 PM.
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Old Jan 15, 2020 | 07:50 PM
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When you say you replaced the ignition switch that means you replaced the contact switch block right? Sure does sound like it's your ignition switch because the contacts that are supposed to be kept maintained during cranking and after the car starts are not being kept maintained so the car shuts off.
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Old Jan 17, 2020 | 01:40 PM
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Found this issue. Both keys were very worn. Too thin. The resistors weren’t making contact inside of what I guess would be the “tumbler”. Simple fix after hours of futility.
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Old Jan 17, 2020 | 02:21 PM
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Originally Posted by johnfp
Found this issue. Both keys were very worn. Too thin. The resistors weren’t making contact inside of what I guess would be the “tumbler”. Simple fix after hours of futility.
i had a very similar experience. Thought I found the fix with the keys too. But it wound up being the switch. Please report back if you have any problems that pop up later.

Last edited by STRMLNE; Jan 17, 2020 at 04:22 PM.
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Old Jan 18, 2020 | 05:18 PM
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I had similar issue last year. Replaced the switch. The problem persisted. Some times it would start sometime not.
Turned out to be the chip reader. I measured the resistance of my keys. Bought a $0.15 resister disconnected the
chip reader from the ignition switch and spliced in the resistor. No problems since.
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Old Jan 18, 2020 | 05:31 PM
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His problem is that the car will not stay running, problems with the chip reader cause a no cranking problem because the BCM does not receive a signal and provides no ground connection to the TDR, which is the relay that sends power to the starter solenoid.
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