Ignition Lock Cylinder

[cball]

Hi, I'm new! I hope that someone can provide me with some insight on my 2001 alero. It's currently in a garage because I can't get it started. The mechanic says that I need a new "ignition lock cylinder." Does anyone know anything about this? The mechanic says it has something to do with the security system in the car.

I have read some of the posts on here and I've seen a lot of people with security problems and a lot of times all the car needs is reset.....turning the car to "on" for 10 minutes and then shutting off.

I mentioned this to the mechanic...about the resetting techique. He said that it would only work one time and the problem would still be there, so the ignition lock cylinder is still needed. I think this may be a line of fooey.

Can someone please, please offer some help to me? The mechanic says it will be around $500.00 and I don't have that kind of money! Thanks in advance!!!

[BNaylor]

Welcome to AF.

The Alero has the Passlock VATS system. The ignition key lock cylinder is a common problem. The lock cylinder is the transponder which sends the code to the body control module (BCM) to allow the car to start and provide the fuel injector pulse.

I'd try the 10 minute key relearn first.

The $500 for the repair even if it includes the part is high.

[mgman52]

Hello
I had this happen twice on my '01. The first time was with my 18 year old daughter, late at night at the Pizza Hut. We got it towed across the street to a dealership where they replaced the ignition lock cyclinder. The car had 35000 miles. My daugter was safe with her boyfriend, but what if she was alone in a parking lot late at night. It seems like a safety hazard to me. The second time it was in the driveway and had to be towed 10 miles to the dealership. The cost was under warranty the first time, but this time it was just out at 65,000 miles and cost $540 parts and labor. I suggested it should be warranted for being safety related and the manager split the bill with me. Someone said the cause might be king rings loaded with keys and causing wear on the lock cyclinder. I don't have a solution, just moral support.
Thanks for listening.

[xeroinfinity]

My GA GT has a flaky ignition switch too.
Luckily it hasnt had any no start problems(knock-on-wood).

I would try that relearn procedure.
Try and start the car, leave on for 10 mins.
Then off for 30sec or so.
Repeat 3 times.

might try it a couple times just incase.
No way in hell I'd pay $500 for a new ignition switch Just my

[mgman52]

They said it might be a key ring, heavy laden with keys and stuff that caused the key lock cylinder to wear out. We tried the 10 minute thing to no avail. This is how I'm starting to feel about autos in general. I'm going to call GM tomorrow and find out what they will do before I totally give up on their cars.