How to Replace Ignition Switch '97-'03

[manicmechanix]

Well I think if it starts fine the theft light will eventually turn off itself. Without a Tech II you can't really get body codes to pinpoint what the problem is. Do you have another key you can use and see if that does it although I doubt it. Unless you want to disconnect the ignition switch agian and double check the wires and connectors, I'd just run with it and see how it goes.

[manglers]

That's what we are doing. It got driven to work today, hope it runs ok!!! Thanks for all the help.

[tcap1]

Excellent instructions for replacing the ignition switch. I have a 99 Grand Prix GT, and with your instructions it went very smoothly, I also happened to know someone who already had the E4 and E5 torx sockets.

I wanted to point out though, that if you have a remote start installed, that it ties into your electronic ignition. This may require you to splice some wires on the ignition harness. Mine was an aftermarket remote start and the wires were soldered onto the ignition wires. It was fairly easy to redo, but it does add some time to the job.

[RickRegal]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

Ignition switch replacement for '97 - '03 Grand Prix



Undo the two screws holding the ignition switch.

Undo the plug at the opposite end of the ignition switch by unscrewing the bolt in the center of the plug and unplugging it. (Use 7mm socket)

Ignition Switch and Harness Assembly

Are the two screws holding the ignition switch female torx screws?

[BNaylor]

Also, see this ignition switch procedure located at our Buick Tips & Maintenance forum. May be helpful even for '97-'03 Pontiac Grand Prix owners since the Regal is similar.

Click here


Note: Not applicable for '04 and up Grand Prix since ignition switch is not located in the steering column but dashboard.

[jfenimore46]

Thanks for these detailed instructions. They really helped me with my 1997 GTP. As others have noted, I did have to go get an E5 Torx socket to remove the four screws inside the steering column cover. I replaced my ignition switch to solve an intermittent problem of no power to part of the fuse block behind the glove box. I had seen this fix in another forum. I would have no power to the Info Panel in the dash, no power to the A/C fan, and the automatic headlights would not work. So far the new switch seems to have corrected the problem.

[grandprix2002]

The new ignition switch I purchased has the slot indexed in the OFF position. However, when removing the old switch, it was indexed in the ON position. So the slot is not aligned with the tab in the steering column. How can I change the position of the slot on the new switch? Can I use a screwdriver to rotate the slot?

[victoriamarie]

Hello!

My friend and I are changing out the ignition starter switch and the lock cylinder.
We finally got the cylinder out, but the white tubular piece of plastic to the right (facing the ignition) that is connected to the starter switch won't pop out the switch. There's a black tab on the back that we're trying to push but nothing is working.

(We also had to get an E5 in order for this project to work, which was unexpected).

Thanks!

[victoriamarie]

--- nevermind!---

we fixed it but neither the lock cylinder or the start switch fixed the problem.

[Tech II]

You never said what your problem was....

[tylerlee]

Im replacing the ignition switch in my 1999 biuck regal gs and im having trouble removing the small black connector that has two wires running into it and connects to the white plastic device that if you push up on the metal piece it releases the key any help would be appreciated