Quick ignition switch Q

[brad10281]

I believe my ignition switch just crapped out like so many others have reported. Many have said to test voltages at the starter solenoid to diagnose this but I was thinking there may be a simpler way.

Can someone verify that if the ignition switch IS working that you CAN move the gear shifter out of park with the key on and brake pedal depressed? I know that this works on a Ford (my Escort) and a Chrysler (my brothers Pacifica) but I don't know anyone with a Chevy that I can ask to try. I can't get the shifter out of park unless I press the little hidden release button under the console.

Assuming that this can be done normally then I'll take a wild guess that my ignition switch is toast.

My truck is currently sitting about 5 miles from my house. I'd hate to pay the dealer for labor, is this something that I can do myself if I take a few tools along?

Thanks,
Brad

[Blazernut]

If you depress the little hidden switch your truck should still run and drive. Cram a firm piece of foam in over the little switch to keep it depressed. Some guys have been successful with doing the switch themselves and others have toiled for hours on end.

I would take it to a shop to do the switch. But that's me because I don't want my truck down for a couple of days :crazy: if I can't get it all lined up at re-assembly.:m2:

[Envoy Fan]

2006, still under the 3/36 warranty?

[brad10281]

I guess I left out my main problem...I can't get the truck started, I turn the key and everything looks good up till the point it hits the starting position and nothing happens. I'm heading out now (it stranded me 5 miles from my house) to try to start it again or get it towed to the dealer.

Thanks guys.

[superman_79065]

A friendly tip:

CHECK THE CHEAP STUFF FIRST!!!!!

Check all your fuses...especially the fuses under the hood. I replaced my switch over a year ago because I had the same issue. Turns out, I had been messing with the fuses beforehand, and placed the ignition fuse back in na dead hole, instead of it's proper place.

If all your fuses are good, then replacing the switch is no big deal. Be careful taking apart your steering column shroud, and make sure you have some tamper-proof torx bits. Took me about 30 minutes the first time, and I can do one in about 10 minutes now.

[brad10281]

I spent most of the night pulling/checking the fuses and they all looked good. It just sucks that there were no symptoms of a problem...it just stopped working. I did try to jump it, just to make sure, but it didn't work.

Just got a call from the dealer...it's the ignition switch. $250 to replace...thats freakin' rediculous! Isn't it a $40.00 part? I told them to go ahead (while kicking myself in the ass :duh: )...at least the tow was free. the good news is that I'll have it back today.

Brad

[brad10281]

Got the truck back, they charged my $45 for the ignition switch and $190 for 2.5 hours of labor...what a rip!

[superman_79065]

Got the truck back, they charged my $45 for the ignition switch and $190 for 2.5 hours of labor...what a rip!


2 HOURS labor? They saw you coming, my friend!

Seriously, I changed my switch the first time, with hand tools and no idea what I was doing, in 30 minutes.

[brad10281]

I must have sucker written on my head! Not much I could do, the truck was stuck at the dealer unless I had it towed again. If I confronted them about it, it's not like they would suddenly drop the price $100. I'm sure they know when they can screw their customers...when you're stranded and have no other choice.

This will be the last post I make on this thread...I just want to forget about it all!!! :suicide:

[quag421]

So tell me if the iginition switch goes, does that mean I can't get it into neutral. Wife had the same problem as above. Battery was fine. Actually was running, she had put it in park, then could not get back in drive. She shut the engine off and tried to restart....but nothing.

Clicking sound in the underseat fuse box. I pulled the relays and put them back in.

It's and 06 Denali, still under warranty, but was wondering if this is similar to what you guys have.

[playstrings]

When these things crap out there is no telling what will or will not work....

I have had the whole thing locked up - total melt down...

I have had it in limp mode... gasping for it's last breath...

I have had gauges go dead... and then turn off and come back...

I am now ordering a spare to keep in the glove compartment...

But when it's working - darn nice ride..... LOL...:crazy: