99' Alero Ignition Switch Problem

Just some information. If anyone is having the problem that I 've had which is when you go to start your car it seems like it will start but won't. If you noticed when you go to take your key out the security light is blinking. Well most of the time if you wait for about 10mins it will stop blinking and then you can start your car, it may take about three times before it starts, this is an ignition switch problem. I've asked around and some people say it could be a shortage in the electrical wires or something, but if you don't get it fixed it will eventually get stuck to where it wont start at all.

I was wondering if anybody has this problem? and if so did you get it fixed at the dealership, or is it possible for me to get mine fixed from someonelse ( of course the dealer is about $600 and another place may be way cheaper)

Just some information. If anyone is having the problem that I 've had which is when you go to start your car it seems like it will start but won't. If you noticed when you go to take your key out the security light is blinking. Well most of the time if you wait for about 10mins it will stop blinking and then you can start your car, it may take about three times before it starts, this is an ignition switch problem. I've asked around and some people say it could be a shortage in the electrical wires or something, but if you don't get it fixed it will eventually get stuck to where it wont start at all.

I was wondering if anybody has this problem? and if so did you get it fixed at the dealership, or is it possible for me to get mine fixed from someonelse ( of course the dealer is about $600 and another place may be way cheaper)

Kaznj,
I have the same problem, leave the key in the run position for 10 minutes and the security system will bypass. When the light goes off remove the key completely and start the car normally. It works every time. But you should probably get a new ignition switch.
Kaznj

There is nothing wrong with the ignition switch and don't let the dealer tell you otherwise! My dealer insisted that my transponder was bad and I needed a new key and ignition switch. When I told him there was no transponder in my key he told me I was wrong.

What is happening is the edges on your key are wearing down to the point that your ignition doesn't recognize it and will lock it out for 10 minutes( hence the security light), so even a different key won't work. Let car sit for 10-20 minutes- then insert key and turn to run position and let sit for about 10 minutes (until security light goes out). Then as the previous person stated it will start right up. If you have a different, less used key- use it to do the programming and throw the old one away. That's what I did and I've been starting fine for the past 6 mos.

There is nothing wrong with the ignition switch and don't let the dealer tell you otherwise! My dealer insisted that my transponder was bad and I needed a new key and ignition switch. When I told him there was no transponder in my key he told me I was wrong.

What is happening is the edges on your key are wearing down to the point that your ignition doesn't recognize it and will lock it out for 10 minutes( hence the security light), so even a different key won't work. Let car sit for 10-20 minutes- then insert key and turn to run position and let sit for about 10 minutes (until security light goes out). Then as the previous person stated it will start right up. If you have a different, less used key- use it to do the programming and throw the old one away. That's what I did and I've been starting fine for the past 6 mos.

So what you're saying is a new key will solve the problem?
I'll give it a try. Thanks Kaznj

A new key, onced programmed should fix the problem. By leaving the key in for 10 minutes in run position until security light goes out you are programming the key- that is my understanding and what worked for me.
I did find other instructions on the web how to reprogram a new key, but it never came to that. If that doesn't work do a search for Passlock reprogramming. Another option is to call a locksmith and tell him you have Passlock and he can point you in the right direction.

There is a post titled "Security light on & won't start" dated 11-18-2004. Scroll to that date and that post contains 2 pages. Open page 2 and there is a post from matmyers, a locksmith. Hope this helps.