Another starting problem

All right, here goes another intrigue with a starting problem. I bought this 98 intrigue with the 3.8L V6 last summer and was told it had problems very rarely starting. Well, It seems that was a little understatement. Here's the issues:

It will randomly decide it doesn't want to start a few times a week. When I put the key in and turn it, nothing happens. I will furiously jiggle the key for about 2 minutes. About then the dash lights up and it starts, usually.

Then it seems that it randomly decides to stall without warning. There is no method to the madness, it just dies. It can do this anywhere from once to five times in a simple five minute trip to work.

To this point, I have taken it into the dealership where they couldn't find any codes or anything wrong with it. I also had the shifter assembly replaced. I was thinking ignition switch due to it being a common problem. So I put in a new ignition switch and lock cylinder and now it won't start at all.

I'm sorry for such a long post, but I just wanted to thoroughly explain it. If there is anyone who would have any idea I would greatly appreciate it before I put any more work into this black hole. Thanks, Steve

Probably wouldve been better off using the old lock cylinder with the new switch. But...try this:

Theft Deterrent Re-Learn procedure- without Tech I Scan-Tool:

This procedure takes approximately 30 minutes make sure the battery is fully charged.

1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position
2. Turn the ignition switch all the way from the OFF to the START position, then leave it in the ON position. The engine will not crank.
3. The SECURITY light should come on and stay on for at least 10 minutes.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position for five seconds
5. Repeat steps 2,3, and 4 for a second time
6. Repeat steps 2,3, and 4 for a third time
7. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position
8. Turn the ignition switch all the way to the START position. The engine should now start.


You could also tear the whole thing back apart and try using the old key cylinder, either option appears to be slightly time-consuming.

if it don't run after that..check cat/conveter might be pluged up..just a thought....

My dash is still torn apart so I put the old key lock cylinder in it, but it won't start either. I'll look into the catalytic converter.

I think the converter wouldve gradually caused problems, and you wouldve noticed a severe loss of performance before it would be clogged enough to not allow the car to start.

Did you stick the park/lock cable back into the ignition switch before trying to start it?

It would seem like its something in the ignition switch, you had occasional problems before installing the new switch, and now it wont start at all, so its got to be something related to the new switch, I still think you should try the re-learn, its something you can do while youre eating lunch.

I tried the relearn procedure. When I put the key to start nothing happens. When it moves back into the ON position the engine sputters then dies. I left it in the ON position but the security light doesn't stay on. The SES soon light does come on though.
Thanks for the help so far.

car must be in park or neutral to start = could be a fault with this sensor or wiring.

Alldatadiy.com and a voltmeter. Ignition switch, wiring, P/N sensor.

Once you get it starting, at least a click you can move onto the stalling situation.

Again, I would say verify that all connections in the new switch are hooked up properly. Going off memory I believe there are 4 connections, should be two larger groupings of wires, the cable on the backside, and then a small two-wire connection on the lock cylinder area I do believe.

I've tried everything now.

New switch and old lock cylinder- sputters slightly, no start
- I tried the relearn with this one but the security light doesn't stay on.
new switch and new cyliner- nothing
old switch and old cylinder- started right up

I checked all the connections each time.
It just doesn't make sense to me that the new switch won't work with it.

are you sure that the little white wire isn't broke off running down your steering colum??? there real thin and break easy...