A question about 96-98 N-bodies

[Andrew Martin]

I understand that the 96-98 N-body, mainly the Pontiac Grand Am, Chevrolet Malibu, Oldsmobile Achieva and Buick Skylark that have the same ignition switches had a defect as to where a failure in the ignition system would occasionally set off Passlock and cause the vehicle to not start.

Exactly which ignition component would be faulty in this situation? It's not the switch, is it? It's odd to me that just a lock and tumbler would be causing those sorts of problems.

Now, I went to the junkyard and found an interesting little gadget out of a 1998 Grand Am that attached to the opposite side of the steering column that is activated whenever a key is inserted into the ignition switch. The ignition switch has a little tab that pushes out and goes into this little unidentified doo-hickey and presses some sort of orange-ish button.

Would this be what's causing my car's Passlock to go off here and there, since it's an N-body known for ignition failure? Thanks folks =]

[xeroinfinity]

Passlock issues are on several GM models, not just n body.

Thier are two parts, the lock cylinder and the ignition "switch" either or could contribute to passlock no starts and random shut offs.

If the small box with the switch has a yello wire going to it it could be a passlocl by pass, or where an alarm was installed previosly.

who knows, it could be warp drive.

[Andrew Martin]

It doesn't, like, shut off as you're driving down the road or that kind of situation, it's only when starting.

Is there any way of testing any of these modules?

[xeroinfinity]

those models arent as bad as the 99 and up they are realy cheaply made and crap out easy. Usualy due to abuse and misuse of the ignition switch.

Yours could just be worn out too, they dont last forever not even in older cars from the 60, 70 or 80's.

I have a ignition switch testing thing in the tips & maintenance section but its for the 99+ n body.

I'll check and see if I can find the testing for your '96 GA.

Edit...
Finaly found the test procedures for switch and cylinder.

[Andrew Martin]

Ooh, thanks =D But how do I test it? That's just removal and installation instructions.

[xeroinfinity]

yeah I just noticed that...

I dont think I have that test procedure handy.

You might want to pick up a repair manual.
They are relativly cheapm for the haynes at the zone.
Also most libraries carry them and you can check out.

[Andrew Martin]

I have one, but I don't think it says anything about testing the ignition switch. It's just the same thing, removal and installation.

EDIT: Since Chilton is made by Haynes, is there really a difference between the two?

[xeroinfinity]

Chiltons used to be the #1 with details out the butt.
They were just expensive. These days they are about the same as in fact containing info. Chiltons tend to also cover more then one make model automobile thus making then more expensive.

Nothing beats the GM tech manual though.

I've bought several over the years used off ebay, realy cheap. Just have to make sure they are clean and no torn pages before bidding or buying.

Your Haynes should have the test procedure in the chassis electrical section.

[Andrew Martin]

It has general test procedures for circuits, but nothing specifically for the ignition switch. Or maybe I'm missing it.