1996 Grand Am ignition

[Albee44]

On the weekend our car wouldn't start, checked the battery all ok, lights etc worked, since we heard a clicking we changed the starter, still no start

took to the garage (ugh) and they have said there is no power getting to the starter, they were checking wiring diagrams or something, now they say the ignition box is not sending out any power so it is defective. does this sound right?

last year they replace the ignition cylinder and anti theft ignition assembly, is the assembly thing different from the ignition box?

this happened so suddenly, we drove it all weekend parked for about 1 hour came out and it wouldn't start.........seems strange to me.

thanks for your help

[Albee44]

ok, so the garage replaced the ignition switch and the ignition assembly (where the key goes) and now it will turn over BUT STILL WON'T START!!

they think it might have something to do with the security, however, my uncle had the security thing all removed (you know the little box thingy), and the garage guy says he can see that it was disabled.........so does anyone have any ideas on the direction I should point this garage to.......it is costing me a bundle for them to "guess"

Help please

[xeroinfinity]

If the system has been tamperd with,
then its hard to say whats going wrong.

Most likly you will need to enable what ever was done,
then maybe your troubles can be diagnosed.

Also Sometimes a relearn procedure is needed when the ignition switch and keys are replaced.

To reset the system turn the key to the on position and leave it on for 10 minutes.
Turn it off for at least 10 seconds and repeat 3 times.
On the third time start the car.

Hope that helps !



Good Luck

[Albee44]

ok perhaps the disabling thing was misleading..........it has not been functional since 2002, so I am not sure that has any affect on the situation now.

I was wondering though, since they put in a new anti-thefti ignition assembly today, could it be the "old & worn" key that is perhaps not engaging and releasing the car to start??

could it be the neutral safety switch?

I just want to try the cheapest things first, before they start their "investigating" and it costs me huge bucks.

thanks for any help

[bloodyprice]

It might be a connection, just because theres a problem it dosent mean that the problem is the component, make sure the wires are connected good, make sure theyre the right gauge for the batter and starter, and make sure that the wire isnt shorting out on anything. If worst come to worst a new wiring harness would be like $50-$100. which isnt a bad price.

[feminoz]

The dreaded security light problem....so persavisve in the gm post. what a pain this thing is!!! Still havent fixed mine...I have been doing the 10 min wait, for a while now...I hear it cost upwards of $400.00 to fix by replacing the tumbler and chances are...its just going to do it again...and gm will not recall! I have found a way of by passing it here on this site...the ole cut the yellow wire and toggle switch it....My question is? I will do that but has anyone experienced any issues with bypassing it in this way. Will it work? or when I cut the yellow wire with the car running will it die and will i be able to start it again or will I be Srew#@D after I cut it and have to tow it and pay gm the fortune they want to fix it anyway...any problems with this bypass or will it work? fem.