How to remove ignition switch???
KFranklin
02-10-2014, 08:01 AM
My husband's 2001 Pontiac Grand Am GT hasn't been working properly for the last 2 months. And of course, I'm stuck driving the stupid thing, because my car gets better gas mileage and he has to drive further for work. I grew up in a family that fixes all of their own vehicles; he grew up just giving it to a garage.
Something has been draining the battery. We don't know what. It's either the IPC, Ignition Switch, or the car's computer. I need to pull the ignition switch out and test it. I've searched and searched trying to find a link to tell me how, but there isn't one. They all say take it to the dealer or reset the security system or something just as useless. I need someone to explain to me what I need to do to remove the ignition switch.
We disconnected the radio as we thought that may have been draining it; the radio is a POS that doesn't work anyways, I'm glad it's disconnected. My husband took it to some hole-in-the-ground auto shop where they told us it was the alternator and charged us $420 for a new one. The alternator itself costs $175!!! We have also had 4 new batteries put in it, and tested all the fuses.
The fuse that is draining 3.4Amps is the IPC/HVAC BATT fuse. The drain is on a timer, I know because I held a multimeter to the negative side of the battery, while the cable was disconnected, black on the cable, red on the battery, for 15 minutes. The people at Advance and AutoZone said there was no drain on the battery, well, it died the next day. When I took it to Battery One, the guy disconnected the negative cable from the battery and stuck a tester on the cable and battery, he said if the light comes on, something is draining the battery. The light came on. So that's what's happening.
When my father and I did some research, other people said the ignition switch is what was causing the drain.
Please let me know how to remove the ignition switch!!!
Something has been draining the battery. We don't know what. It's either the IPC, Ignition Switch, or the car's computer. I need to pull the ignition switch out and test it. I've searched and searched trying to find a link to tell me how, but there isn't one. They all say take it to the dealer or reset the security system or something just as useless. I need someone to explain to me what I need to do to remove the ignition switch.
We disconnected the radio as we thought that may have been draining it; the radio is a POS that doesn't work anyways, I'm glad it's disconnected. My husband took it to some hole-in-the-ground auto shop where they told us it was the alternator and charged us $420 for a new one. The alternator itself costs $175!!! We have also had 4 new batteries put in it, and tested all the fuses.
The fuse that is draining 3.4Amps is the IPC/HVAC BATT fuse. The drain is on a timer, I know because I held a multimeter to the negative side of the battery, while the cable was disconnected, black on the cable, red on the battery, for 15 minutes. The people at Advance and AutoZone said there was no drain on the battery, well, it died the next day. When I took it to Battery One, the guy disconnected the negative cable from the battery and stuck a tester on the cable and battery, he said if the light comes on, something is draining the battery. The light came on. So that's what's happening.
When my father and I did some research, other people said the ignition switch is what was causing the drain.
Please let me know how to remove the ignition switch!!!
KFranklin
02-10-2014, 08:05 AM
This is a 6 cylinder car, don't know if that's relevant
SleepyHead98
02-10-2014, 08:23 AM
I have a Oldsmobile Cutlass/Chev Malibu. I think the procedure is very similiar.
You will have to remove the plastic beauty trim that is around the radio, ac and ignition switch. It is held on by some type of pop clips. They just slide into their holders and stick. So use a plastic tool, or metal tool with a cloth over it to avoid scratching the plastic when you try prying it. So pry gently around the edges of the trim, all around, and evenly. One you remove the trim, the IG switch is held in by abolt. At least on the Malibu/cutlass.
You will have to remove the plastic beauty trim that is around the radio, ac and ignition switch. It is held on by some type of pop clips. They just slide into their holders and stick. So use a plastic tool, or metal tool with a cloth over it to avoid scratching the plastic when you try prying it. So pry gently around the edges of the trim, all around, and evenly. One you remove the trim, the IG switch is held in by abolt. At least on the Malibu/cutlass.
Tech II
02-10-2014, 07:12 PM
As you an see, that switch is a little involved......I would be checking a wiring diagram to see what that fuse actually feeds BEFORE replacing the switch.....
xeroinfinity
02-12-2014, 09:01 PM
gmtech1, you should not be linking to a GM procedure web site. :nono:
They might yank your admission/subscription for hotlinking, and its prob a copy write issue. :cool:
Also we already have this procedure(with 100s more) right here on AF and doesnt take up so much space on the screen. :iceslolan
Ignition switch-Lock Cylinder check/replace (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=715987)
KFranklin, Welcome to AF !! I would NOT replace the ignition switch just yet, its most likely Not the problem.
A few other questions....
Has their been anything else electronic added or replaced in the car prior to the alternator and battery replacement?
Has the car ever had front end damage from a wreck?
And what makes you say its part of the IPC or HVAC causing the drain?
things i have experienced draining the battery on this model Grand Am.
The fog lights coming on randomly when the car is parked and off. usually a short in the wiring from damaged or a shorts melting wires causing the drain.
But I would check and have all the relays tested.
Ive also heard of the lock/unlock solenoids doing weird things when the temps drop and making them actuate overnight weakening or draining the battery.
And if you need any wire diagrams we do have them all in our Tips and Maintenance section (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=2148).
And you're welcome to ask more questions, or add any other details on your matter.
They might yank your admission/subscription for hotlinking, and its prob a copy write issue. :cool:
Also we already have this procedure(with 100s more) right here on AF and doesnt take up so much space on the screen. :iceslolan
Ignition switch-Lock Cylinder check/replace (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=715987)
KFranklin, Welcome to AF !! I would NOT replace the ignition switch just yet, its most likely Not the problem.
A few other questions....
Has their been anything else electronic added or replaced in the car prior to the alternator and battery replacement?
Has the car ever had front end damage from a wreck?
And what makes you say its part of the IPC or HVAC causing the drain?
things i have experienced draining the battery on this model Grand Am.
The fog lights coming on randomly when the car is parked and off. usually a short in the wiring from damaged or a shorts melting wires causing the drain.
But I would check and have all the relays tested.
Ive also heard of the lock/unlock solenoids doing weird things when the temps drop and making them actuate overnight weakening or draining the battery.
And if you need any wire diagrams we do have them all in our Tips and Maintenance section (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=2148).
And you're welcome to ask more questions, or add any other details on your matter.
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