Ignition-Security Question 2000 SSEi

[FasGP]

Hey guys...

There are lots of search topics, but none point to this exact problem. Recently, the key has been locking before activating the ignition, and it requires quick fiddles and snaps left and right to finally start. So far, it has not left me stranded, but I think I should fix this. It does it on both personalized key sets.

Then in the major cold snap we just had, the entire instrument cluster stopped working. Nothing at all. A day or so passed, and all back to normal but now "security" light is on. Any thoughts on specific issue? It sounds like the ignition is going to soon just not start the car. Do you think this actual switch mechanism can also cause the cluster and security problems, or is my issue bigger?

TIA...

[david]

did you try dielectric spray in the cylinder? Just a thought , I know my after market key wont run my car just opens the door.

[bobgto65]

The key has the same symptoms mine did before it locked in the switch and I could not turn the ignition switch or remove the key. I needed a new ignition cylinder.

[MrJiggy716]

FasGp search for my post "Engine randomly dying while driving help needed *SOLVED*". It sounds as if your tumbler is getting stuck which mine did before it locked with the key in it and had to be drilled and replaced. A short while later the ignition switch which the tumbler goes in, failed and caused similar problems your are experiencing (see the vids in the post). The switch most certainly can control the dash and everything else, it was throwing on and off every indicator and light on the vehicle. So your problem may be twofold the tumbler AND switch. Which its fairly advisable if they are original to replace one with the other, as they are cheap enough. I even believe seeing a post around here stating there was a bulletin posted about potentially faulty ignition switches.

[MrJiggy716]

FasGp search for my post "Engine randomly dying while driving help needed *SOLVED*". It sounds as if your tumbler is getting stuck which mine did before it locked with the key in it and had to be drilled and replaced. A short while later the ignition switch which the tumbler goes in, failed and caused similar problems your are experiencing (see the vids in the post). The switch most certainly can control the dash and everything else, it was throwing on and off every indicator and light on the vehicle. So your problem may be twofold the tumbler AND switch. Which its fairly advisable if they are original to replace one with the other, as they are cheap enough. I even believe seeing a post around here stating there was a bulletin posted about potentially faulty ignition switches.

[bobgto65]

Yes get it fixed while you can still drive the car to the shop. I had to have mine towed away. And I had it done at the local GM dealer cost over $300 to fix. They also usually do not stock the parts so get them online first or order from the dealer so they can have them in stock.

[MrJiggy716]

Indeed... mine was very slightly sticking every once in awhile for a few months and I thought I was just being paranoid. One day stuck it in and it felt really funny tried to take it out and boom stuck. Was $315 for the locksmith to come to my location, drill it out and replace it (that was just for the cylinder) . Yes I cold have gotten one cheaper then the locksmiths prices and installed in myself but any chain auto store didn't have them in stock and would have taken 3 days to get in, he was the only guy in town with one on hand. so I was between a rock and a hard place. So like Bob suggested sooner rather then later.

[MrJiggy716]

This is the switch I used and it worked like a charm and have had no problems since.... the cylinder was provided by the locksmith so I don't know the brand.