1999 Monte Carlo key sensor problem

[racegirl]

Has anyone had a problem with the key sensor reading the chip in their key? When this happens you have to have the ignition switch replaced and a brand new set of keys. This has happened to me TWICE now!!! It's very frustrating because you cannot start the car until you have the part replaced.


When this happened I tried to put my key in the ignition and the key would not fit. I tried adjusting the ignition switch and finally got the key to fit. When I turned the key the lights came on, radio came on, power locks worked, but when you turned the key all the way nothing happened (not even a clicking noise). This is the same thing that happened the first time, about 4 yrs ago.

[corning_d3]

That little chip is a small resistor. Try cleaning the small metal "tabs" on the resistor. If you have 10 pounds of junk on your key ring, remove it!! It ruins your ignition and speeds up PASSKEY failures..

[montecarlossfan]

one way is to get the resistance reading of the chip on the key, go under the dash, find the orange tubing with the 2 white wires in it,cut both wires, solder a resistor from 1 wire to the other on the part goign to the firewall not up the column. thats it no more stupid no start conditions

[wattagrlskno]

Originally Posted by racegirl

Has anyone had a problem with the key sensor reading the chip in their key? When this happens you have to have the ignition switch replaced and a brand new set of keys. This has happened to me TWICE now!!! It's very frustrating because you cannot start the car until you have the part replaced.


When this happened I tried to put my key in the ignition and the key would not fit. I tried adjusting the ignition switch and finally got the key to fit. When I turned the key the lights came on, radio came on, power locks worked, but when you turned the key all the way nothing happened (not even a clicking noise). This is the same thing that happened the first time, about 4 yrs ago.

Trust me...I've just gone through the exact same thing with my '95 Monte Carlo when changing out my steering column. Sometimes, the vats loses signal with the sensor in your key. Chances are, if you keep having the same problem, it's a problem more with the wiring to your VATS than with the ignition switch. Next time it happens, try to reinitiate your key to your system. To do this, turn the key to the "on" position (all your lights on the dash, etc. should be on), but don't turn it over. Somewhere on your panel, you should see some sort of security light....mine is in the lower left hand side that says "security". It will either blink or stay lit. You'll want to keep the key turned to the on position until your particular light quits blinking or simply goes off. This usually took about 10 minutes on my car. Now, your car should start up. If not, before going out and buying a new ignition switch lock, take the original key you have (one that did actually start the car at some point in time) along with the key that fits the ignition lock now, and bring it to a key shop....make sure they are equipped to make auto keys. Tell them you need a key made with the same transponder number as the original key, but cut to the key for the current lock switch. This cost me about $25 and it works great now. Obviously, there's no guarantee that will solve your problem, but it's certainly easier and cheaper to at least give it a shot. Considering the amount of money I spent swapping steering columns, not to mention all the time wasted calling mechanics who had no clue, I wish I'd of heard this tip first. Good Luck!!!