Drivers door chime

I just had an ignition replaced in my 2002 Malibu three weeks ago. This past week, the door would chime as soon as I opened it.....key not even in ignition yet. It didn't do that before or after the new ignition....just started this week. I returned it to the repair shop, and he says that's the way it's suppose to be. My sister has a 1999, and hers doesn't do that, only if the key is in the ignition.
Should the door chime be going off if the key is not in the ignition? It also chimes when I'm getting out, key not in ignition, but door open. I was told it has a 4 year warrenty on the ignition, but he's not fixing it, he says thats the way it works???

Jackie

Kind of sounds like you're getting hosed. After you shut the car off, does the dome light come on when you take the key out of the ignition? It should. I think maybe the part of the switch that tells the bcm "hey the key's in the ignition" thinks the key is always in the ignition. With a 4 year warranty, this kind of sounds like his problem. Particularly since it showed up right after he worked on it.


edit: this is the 02 style that looks like the 99s, right?

Yes, the door light does come on when I take the key out. If I'm in the car, soon as I open the door, the chime starts.

I was told to call the Better Business Bureau, but at this point, I don't think I want them working on my car anymore anyway.

Jackie

maybe it's a different switch that does that. Or it could be something in the bcm... but with the lights off and the key out it shouldn't be beeping at you. I'd get a new mechanic too.

You're right, it should only chime with they key in ignition, or with the headlights on when you open the door. Sounds like the key indicator switch in the ignition is funky.

However, the door chime is controlled by your computer, through your radio (2000 and newer Malibu's) The 97 to 99 Malibu, although the same body style as the 00 to 04 (Classic) did use completely different (not interchangeable radios).

A quick check to see if the key position switch is bad in the new ignition:

Try to lock your doors with the ignition off, key out with the FOB or electric switch. If they don't lock, your ignition key indicator is bad. Note: most 2000 and up GM's will give you a three chime if you hit the door lock switch within 5 seconds of removing your keys, and will not lock, so try to hit the lock switch a couple of times.

I got my 2002 Malibu since new and its suppose to chime only when the door opens with key in ignition OR if the head lights are switched on manually and left on. If its chiming without the key and the headlights are not on (or on auto on), the CHIME SHOULD NOT chime.

So it sounds like mechanic put a bad ignition switch in. Or maybe the computer in the radio isnt programmed to accept the new ignition switch. Ask dealership if you put in a new switch if any programming is required, then get the guy to fix it.