2006 uplander ignition

[njd117]

sometimes my ignition switch get stuck, the local dealer said that is normal and wouldn't change it. is this normal or not.

['97ventureowner]

It doesn't sound normal to me. The only time I ever experienced a stuck ignition in any of my GM vehicles was in my 1994 pickup. I ended having to have it towed to the dealer and they replaced it under warranty. Later I found out there were a number of similar problems with these trucks around the country. Is there another GM dealer in your area? If so I would take it to them and see if they would fix it. If the vehicle is still under warranty there shouldn't be a problem. If they say the same as the other dealer, I would then start calling the Chevrolet customer service number and go from there.

[elynch]

I have the same problem with the ignition. Unfortunately I exported my Uplander so my warranty is not valid. Does anyone know how I can fix this problem??

[AJT1961]

What exactly do you mean when you say getting stuck? On my 2005 Uplander (48,000 miles), if you just want to "bump" the ignition (eg. to just rotate the engine) it will continue to crank until the car actually starts -- even though the key is not in the crank position, and sometimes it will continue to crank for a split second after it has started. I have always assumed this is normal due to the way it programmed for the remote starting function. If this is what you are describing, I believe your dealer is correct.

[elynch]

When I start the engine, it continues to crank several seconds after and then the engine cuts off. I would then have to restart it and while it is cranking rev the engine and then it will start normally. I know this is not normal because this just started hapenning about 2 months ago. If I do not rev the engine while starting it will continue to crank for several seconds after starting. When it first started to happen it took me about 7 or 8 tries before it started correctly. No check engine light.

[AJT1961]

Yours certainly does sound like a real problem. I checked the TSB list and there is one right on point:

Component Description: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
Bulletin Number: 3550
Bulletin Date: JAN 2001
Vehicle: 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
Summary: STARTER STAYS ENGAGED AFTER ENGINE STARTS. ( NHTSA ITEM NUMBER - 10019233 )

Unfortunately, I don't have access to the actual text of the TSB since I don't subscribe to Edmunds or a similar service. You can sometimes find it by doing a web search of the GM bulletin number and/or the NHTSA number, or any GM dealer should be nice enough to print a copy for you. If you do get the text, please post a copy on the board so we may all benefit. Thanks.

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by AJT1961

What exactly do you mean when you say getting stuck? On my 2005 Uplander (48,000 miles), if you just want to "bump" the ignition (eg. to just rotate the engine) it will continue to crank until the car actually starts -- even though the key is not in the crank position, and sometimes it will continue to crank for a split second after it has started. I have always assumed this is normal due to the way it programmed for the remote starting function. If this is what you are describing, I believe your dealer is correct.

It is normal and is part of the "Computer Controlled Cranking System". It is meant to protect the electrical system while it assists in starting your vehicle.When the key is turned to the "Start" position and released, the engine starts to crank and will continue cranking until it starts, or 15 seconds thereafter, the maximum cranking time allowed to prevent damaging the starter.It also prevents accidental starting of the engine ( damage to the starter gears)while the engine is currently running,( a good thing ). To stop the engine from cranking, simply turn the ignition switch to the "lock", or "accessory" position.


One point of thought of related to the original problem in the first post. I wonder if any new electrical parts, or accessories were added to the vehicle prior to the problems first occurrence? If it was installed improperly, or wasn't the proper type for the vehicle, it could alter or affect the way some of the other electrical components operate, including the "Computer Controlled Cranking System. ( By the way I have a lot of experience in this area having owned a couple of Ventures previously and one had major electrical issues after a aftermarket remote starter was installed. I'm playing it safe this time with my new Uplander by purchasing my next remote car starter directly from GM and having installed right at the dealer. It wasn't that much more than the one for my Venture, and I hope it gives me more "peace of mind" coming from GM.

[GMEnthu]

Your dealer should have a updated calibration for the PCM available to correct the issue. I have repaired a few of those with the calibrations.

BTW it only applies to the 3.5L engine with delphi EGR valves (connector
pointing straight up out of valve)




Greg