I have a 2001 Cavalier and nothing works with the ignition on. The instrument panel doesn't illuminate, the radio doesn't work, etc. The head lights work, brake lights work, etc. with the ignition on and off. Basically everything that is hot at all times (the head lights, hazards, brake lights, etc.) works regardless of what position the key is in, but nothing on the ignition side works. Consequently the car also does not crank. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Ok miraculously the car works perfectly now. I get power to all my accessories when the ignition is on, and the car starts just like it did before this all happened. Obviously there must be some kind of loose connection SOMEWHERE. Does anyone have any suggestions where to check or anything? I'd really like to find out what the deal is. Thanks.

did happen to be cold there that day did it?

did happen to be cold there that day did it?

The first time it happened was on November 30th (when my dad took it to NJ state inspection) right after they unplugged their diagnostic tool from the OBDII port. My dad went to start the car, and the situation I described happened. He had to push the car out of the inspection station. He got back in and miraculously everything resumed back to normal. He drove it home, parked it on the street, and the next day it wouldn't start again. After that I made my first post (started the thread), and it just started working again a few days ago. To answer your question directly it's been in the 40's the entire week during the time the problem has been intermittent.

Well, after almost a year the same problem has come back. NOTHING works on the ignition side. . . no auxiliary power (radio, instrument cluster, etc.) and it does not crank. I've looked all over the place for this problem and haven't found anything like this so I guess I'll be getting intimately acquainted with the wiring diagrams this weekend. :mad: Any help would be greatly appreciated though!

I would focus on the ignition switch and wiring.