2001 GP GT Blower motor problems... PLS HLP

IM new to this forum and have been reading some of the threads and replies. I think I have found my new auto repair manual. :) You guys are the best in all forums I have been reading in for the past 3 weeks. I have not left any threads in the other forums as I am not sure they would even be able to help. Now, down to the issue at hand. Blower motor will not work in 1-4 pos. 5 works. automatic headlights go out when trying to use 1-4 pos's. they do not in pos.5. The headlights do not go out if I have them on manually by using the switch on the dash. There is a small box under the driver side dash near the floor that clicks when using pos. 1-4. One ASE certified technition told me there was not anyproblem with the resistor module as it and the automatic headlights have no common connection circuit and he thinks it will be a loose wire or even broken... PLEASE, anyone that has had this issue or knows what this is, tell me!! Thanks, Mike

Welcome to AF.

Here is that ignition switch R&R procedure at Tips & Maintenance.

Click here (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=653340)

I have tried to pry back and release the tilt handle, but it will not release and or it just wont pry back. Is it just in front of the handle or is it inside the slot somewhere. I used a small screwdriver and broke it trying to pry back.. I was able to pull it out of the hole so there is no damage done yet. I don't see the black metal piece that is spoken of in the procedure list. Is it possible that this may be slightly diffent than what the procedure speaks of? Mike

Using a good lighting source on the right hand side of the tilt lever is a metal tab. Insert small flat blade screwdriver between lever part and metal tab and carefully pry to the right. At the same time pull out on the tilt lever.

As far as the tilt handle goes, On this car, there is not a metal tab. You just put a fine flat edge screwdriver behind the handle where it goes in to the mechanism and pry outward everso slightly and the handle pops out. To fix my total issue with the lights and blower motor messing up, I took the ignition switch apart like BNaylor told me and it fixed the problem for now. I hope I don't have this same issue again, if I do, I am going to just replace the switch. $100 will replace it. I have about 10 hrs into this job and I think my time is more valuable than that. Now that I have this done I have an issue with the automatic key release unlocking to let me pull the key out. Could I have hurt something in the process of fiddling around in the area of this switch. I can manually release the key but it wont do it automatically. has anyone seen this issue and do you have a fix?

For 2001 probably redesigned. But there are variances between '97-'03 models that we can't cover all so you have to use common sense.

With ignition to on, foot on brake pedal and pressing the button on the shifter do you hear the key release solenoid clunking in the steering column?

Just run the key release bypass procedure for now. Won't hurt. Some people stick a thin piece of wood in there and tape over the hole on the plastic cover. I think one member used a golf tee.

Assuming since you did not have a BTSI and key release issue before the work then we can assume probably related to the ignition switch. Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and get a new one.

Thank you so much. I think I will bypass for now and if it causes no issues, I may just leave it like that 4ever.. With fuel prices like they are, I have been spending too much in gas as I have a 50 mile ride one to school and the $100 for the switch is not an option right now. I want to thank you BNaylor for all your help. I would have been blind in there without your light to see by. You are an asset to this forum and everyone you help. I think this thread is finished. Mike:smokin:

I'm having similar symptoms with a 98 Grand Prix SE, except they only occur at start-up and usually last only a few seconds. While the blower and automatic headlights aren't working, you can hear a clicking sound that sounds like it's coming from under the hood. Sounds like a relay is trying to make contact repeatedly. Blower turns on is P5 and headlights work if switched manually. Worse on damp days than dry days. On the really damp days when it lasts longer than 5 or 10 seconds, turning off the car and restarting it relieves the symptom. Is this the same ignition switch issue as described in this thread ?

Thanks. This forum is the best I've found for getting straight info !

Is this the same ignition switch issue as described in this thread ?

Thanks. This forum is the best I've found for getting straight info !

Sounds like it to me.

Thanks, I figured that was it. Is there anyway to pull that switch apart, clean/adjust the contacts, and get a few more months out of it ? My repair budget this month took a big hit since one of the tranny cooler lines decided to take a leak at the radiator fitting. I see a mix of DEXCOOL and ATF seeping out. Mostly ATF but I've read the stories about the wonderful things DEXCOOL does when ATF gets in it so it's git er done time...