Our Community is 940,000 Strong. Join Us.


97 Grand AM SE key pops out of RUN


dave_in_az
03-24-2012, 06:21 PM
I have a 97 Grand AM SE 31.L with automatic console shift. I had to replace the ignition lcok cylinder, and I did so, performing the Pass-Lock relearn succrssfully. However, the new lock cylinder won't stay in RUN all the time, and hence the engine dies. Does anyone know what keeps the key lock cylinder in the RUN position? There seems to be a fair amount of torque on the lock cylinder forcing it to the OFF position, and there is a slight detent in the lock cylinder which sometimes holds the cylinder in the RUN position, but not always. Is there a spring in the ignition switch which puts a force on the lock cylinder when in RUN, or what? (Obviously there is a spring somewhere to force the lock cylinder out of the START position to RUN....is this in the ignition switch?) If I know where the torque is coming from, maybe I can do something to lessen it. Any help?
AD<THANKS>VANCE

Tech II
03-24-2012, 08:46 PM
Is the lock cylinder in the dash or the column?

There was no problem before replacing the cylinder/sensor?

thephantom1492
03-25-2012, 02:49 AM
The switch behind the cylinder could be the problem.

You could have left some broken bit inside too.

I didn't touched those on GA, but I did bro's one, a hyundai.

Basically, the lock cylinder is free to move, the only restriction is to prevent it to turn too much. The switch assembly, behind, is what hold all the notch and spring.

But check for left over bits and proper alignment. I hear of some model that have LOTS of notch, so you might be one notch off. Bro's car is a flat bar...

dave_in_az
03-25-2012, 12:13 PM
The lock cylinder is in the column, and there was no problem before except that the lock cylinder was broken (wouldn't turn)...I'll check for broken parts inside. Thanks for your hints.

dave_in_az
03-26-2012, 08:53 PM
Well, I took off the ignition switch (which the key-lock cylinder turns), and I beliewe there should be some sort of boss internal to the switch which holds the switch in the RUN position, and to get to OFF you probably have to push the key in a bit, and this probably allows the ignition switch to twist to the OFF position. I think this boss is worn down, causing the problem. Nonetheless, it IS the ignition switch putting the torque on the key cylinder. I ordered a new one, and am waiting for it to get here.

dave_in_az
03-28-2012, 04:11 PM
Solved...I just got the new ignition switch and there is no back force when the se=witch is in the RUN position.

Add your comment to this topic!