Key switch, Radio, BCM or what??

Hey there guys, I am in need of some of your expert opinions again. Last night when I went to park my car I ran into some electrical issues with my radio. Normally when you open the door with the key off the chimes will sound from the speakers. Last night it didn’t (it did earlier in the day). I took the key out and put it back in and opened the door again, nothing. I looked up at the radio and it was still displaying the radio station (key out of ignition, door open). The little red light was flashing on the front of the radio like it does when the car is off. I pushed the power button but it did not have any effect... none of the buttons did. I had to pull the fuse to kill the power to the radio to clear the display. I figured the radio was fried. This really bummed me out as it is the only way I know how to clear either the “change engine oil” or “low tire pressure” text from the message center.

Anyway, I left the fuse out overnight and put it back in this morning before starting the car. Now the radio works again and I hear chimes with the door open and the keys in the door. The next time that I got in the car I waited a few seconds after entering before putting the key in the ignition. And approximately when the dome light went off the gauge cluster did its reset (including noise) as if I had turned the key to on. Thing is, they keys were still in my hand. I am at a loss as to what could be causing this. Any info or advice is greatly appreciated. Here are the specs on my car and recent work done that would involve the electrical.

2002 3.4L Impala
127,340 miles

New battery in Oct. 07
New key FOB in Dec. 07
Change engine oil text displayed (came on last week)

When I got the car it didnt come with a FOB. I got a brand new OEM one. Would a low battery in FOB cause any of the issues I describe? Also the key switch seems loose in the dash. Its been like that since I bought the car in 06. I have waited over two weeks before with the text displayed in the message center and had no problems. The text appeared within 100 miles of its scheduled oil change by the way ;-)

Thanks for your help AF!!!

I think you might be on the right track with the ignition switch... had a similar problem with my dads '86 Sable. It had a digital dash and would flicker on and off whenever it wanted to... replaced ignition switch and all was well.

I agree, get a new ignition switch.
BTW, to reset the oil change light without using the radio, you can turn the key to run (not start) with the engine off, and fully depress and release the accelerator 3 times in 10 seconds.
To reset the low tire pressure, move the headlight knob from all the way forward, back one click, then back to all the way forward. Do this 3 times in 10 seconds.

I guess my main question is how would the keyswitch lock the radio up but nothing else. I have fried a radio before and this acted the same. I was very surprised that just removing the fuse and putting it back in fixed it.

I suppose that I should be glad that its been a single instance and not a recurring one. :licka: