Ignition switch replacement

[ldogg63851]

My 2003 Buick Century will not start. If you turn the key the lights and radio work just fine but as soon as the key is turned to start the car, all lights go away and car does not attempt to start or even make any noises at all. I checked all fuses under the hood and even swapped the relays with known good relays. I checked battery voltage 12.5 and I am also getting the same voltage to my alternator and starter. I used a screwdriver to jump across the starter and the starter works. Any suggestions? I wanted to try to replace my ignition switch. Does anyone have instructions on how to replace it or maybe a video.

[tempfixit]

Originally Posted by ldogg63851

My 2003 Buick Century will not start. If you turn the key the lights and radio work just fine but as soon as the key is turned to start the car, all lights go away and car does not attempt to start or even make any noises at all. I checked all fuses under the hood and even swapped the relays with known good relays. I checked battery voltage 12.5 and I am also getting the same voltage to my alternator and starter. I used a screwdriver to jump across the starter and the starter works. Any suggestions? I wanted to try to replace my ignition switch. Does anyone have instructions on how to replace it or maybe a video.

Sounds to me like a bad starter solenoid or battery cables need to be cleaned. Have youtested the voltage at starter while someone has turned the key to start position?

[ldogg63851]

Yes I tested it with the key in the start position. I forgot to mention I cleaned the battery cables.

[Tech II]

If you tested the purple wire going to the starter solenoid(I rather use a test light), with the key in the crank position, and the light was bright, but the starter didn't crank, then you need a new starter, not an ignition switch.....

If you don't have power at the purple wire, then you need to check the Security light on the dash, to see if the light goes out after 3 seconds, with the key in the "on" position(do not crank)......