Ignition Switch
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
Ignition Switch
Well, I am on my 3rd ignition switch in 3 years that is now giving me problems after 6 months of use. All have had GM badging probably China made. . Is there a non GM switch that gives lasting performance?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,465
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From: Dyer, IN
That would be an odd coincidence, even for Amazon knock-off Chinese crap. How do you know for certain that the problem is the ignition switch?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
When I jiggle the key in the switch enough when it finally gets the message to the starter and the car starts...China GM crap! Just looking for another switch to use that is not GM badging or from China. Anyone?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,465
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From: Dyer, IN
Jiggling the key has ZERO influence on the ignition switch contacts.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
Thanks for your thoughts. Never thought about the key cylinder being the problem. My go to C5 mechanic did not suggest that solution. But when I replace the switch with a new one it works for some time then starts giving me problems. If it is the cylinder, then it would seem to me it would occur right away even with the new switch. I am not one to replace parts but one to dx the problem and solve it. Any thoughts by others?.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,465
Likes: 1,167
From: Dyer, IN
Thanks for your thoughts. Never thought about the key cylinder being the problem. My go to C5 mechanic did not suggest that solution. But when I replace the switch with a new one it works for some time then starts giving me problems. If it is the cylinder, then it would seem to me it would occur right away even with the new switch. I am not one to replace parts but one to dx the problem and solve it. Any thoughts by others?.
Last edited by lucky131969; Apr 9, 2025 at 04:04 PM.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,013
Likes: 508
From: Hilton NY
It could be the key reader attached in front of the ignition switch, there are two small wirtes going to it. If a same value resistor as the key is jumpered across a disconnected two pin reader connector it would bypass that as a possible cause.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,465
Likes: 1,167
From: Dyer, IN
yeah.....it's called a lock cylinder.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,771
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From: Orlando Florida
When you say jiggling the key you mean literally just the key, not rotating key and switch back and forth?
I have a brand new GM switch on my bench that has terrible looking contacts. Never been connected to the car yet.
I have a brand new GM switch on my bench that has terrible looking contacts. Never been connected to the car yet.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,138
Likes: 802
From: Espanola New Mexico
I think he is holding the key in the start position and jiggling the key which means the momentary start contacts of the Ignition switch are not making up, a common problem with the made in China switches. Many forum members have disassembled the switches and bent the tabs to insure positive contact.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
I did both, jiggling and turn off on to get the car to finally start. China/GM made crap!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,061
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From: The Natures Coast/Caribbean
Mine sometimes doesn’t start, I was having to crank 2x start up on 2nd time. So I insert key turn it wait to hear fuel pump, then I crank it. I believe to have play in the cylinder lock.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,138
Likes: 802
From: Espanola New Mexico
The OP is having no crank problem because of bad Ignition switch, many people here on the forum have to be more specific about what no start means. Does the engine crank over but fails to start or does it not even crank over.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
Thanks for your thoughts. There is no engine crank until the switch decides to work by juggling/taking it out and in several times and having some not so kind words pointed at it then it cranks and starts.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,294
Likes: 482
From: Brea CA
What is the status of the SECURITY light when the key is in the on position? If it is or or blinking there is an issue with VATS.
I just fixed this on my car, on mine the wire that comes out of the VATS sensor contact was damaged. If you have removed the ignition switch multiple times this could be damaged. Also are you 100% that the VATS connector is plugged into the wiring harness.
Gary
I just fixed this on my car, on mine the wire that comes out of the VATS sensor contact was damaged. If you have removed the ignition switch multiple times this could be damaged. Also are you 100% that the VATS connector is plugged into the wiring harness.
Gary