
'99 Chevy Cavalier; reinstalling/activating ignition switch?
'99 Cavalier w/Theftlock system;base model 2.2w/man.trans.Problem:car will not start, crank, etc.; ignition switch(key) doesn't seem to rotate far enough to engage starter circuit..NOTE: car CAN be started by removing key switch and using large screwdriver to turn ignition switch assy. manually.. Car starts& runs fine for approx.2-3 seconds until theftlock circuit shuts off ignition..Suspect faulty key switch.. EVERYTHING ELSE CHECKS OUT FINE.. Have cleaned/relubed key switch, turns easier but still doesn't "travel" far enough..Key switch assy. has micro-switch w/lead on case bottom.. Dealer advises reinstalling key switch, plugging in wiring harness, turning key switch to RUN POSITION & leaving for minimum of 10-15 minutes to allow key switch micro-switch to "boot" to ECM..NO LUCK ! What tools are needed to solve problem ? Independant garages can do this job, what do they use..Dealers CANNOT be ONLY ones with correct tools to program/re-program key switches !! Any/all help thx.n.adv.
replace key switch assembly common problem on these cars, that is what is keeping you from rotating key far enough to turn starter over,once you have replaced switch try to start car release key leaving key in the run position for ten minutes this will sync the key sw to the body control and the powertrain control module,do not let the battery run down while ignition is left on as the sequence will need to be restarted if the battery voltage is too low,if in question use another running car with a set of jumper cables connected to your car to keep the battery fully charged after ten to fifteen minutes,turn ignition switch off wait 30 seconds then try to start,if no go run sync again,i have had a couple that i have had to sync up to 3 times before sync would take,just for reference you need no special tools for this repair but if you replace any modules or computers the dealer is the only one who can reprogram your car to run again,you cannot use a computer from another car either(ie junkyard) as it will not take the flash program if it has another vin in it's memory therefore you must buy new,aftermarket is good alternative to dealer prices but you must go to dealer to have vin & mileage reprogramed before it will restart good luck
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