1996 Grand Am Ignition Lock Cylinder/Ignition Switch

Tiny
HETFIELD05
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS
I've just changed the lock cylinder and ignition switch on my 96 grand am (auto). When I go to start it it turns over as normal, then shuts right down.

I put the old lock cyclinder back in and it did the same thing. Is there a reset somewhere that I'm missing?

I put the new cylinder back in and got the same result. Car rolls over, starts, then shuts right down.

I can hear the fuel pump starting and I haven't messed with any other electrical components other than the work I've done.

Can someone give me a clue what's going on? All fuses seem fine. I checked the ones under the hood and inside the car.

Thanks in advance.
Sunday, May 20th, 2007 AT 12:39 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
HETFIELD05
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I left the car alone for a good hour and what do you know it fired right up with no problem. Only thing I can figure is after changing the switch and cylinder the ignition switch needs time to energize.

I'm wondering if my assumption is correct so if anyone has any input on this topic I'd appreciate a response.

Thanks again.
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Sunday, May 20th, 2007 AT 1:33 PM
Tiny
RANDOMNESS182
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  • 1 POST
It's very possible that the anti-theft system was triggered when you installed the new lock cylinder. Sometimes, when electrical work is done on newer cars, it activates the security system. You can verify this by, after trying to start the car, observing that the "Theft Sys" light is flashing and not on solid. And it's also possible that this will happen again for a longer period of time than an hour sometime soon. My '96 did the same thing after putting in a new stereo.

If it does, you may have to reset the security computer. You can do it with these steps (if you have a battery charger, leave it hooked to the battery throughout this time because chances are it WILL drain the battery):

1) Turn the key and attempt to start the car.
2) Observe that the Theft Sys light is flashing.
3) Release the key to the "On" position and leave it there for no less than 11 minutes. (May need a timer, any less than the allotted time will spoil the entire procedure)
4) Turn the key to the Off position for no less than 30 seconds.
5) Repeat steps 1-4 three times.
6) On the fourth attempt, the car should start.

I just now noticed this was posted in May, but it may help someone else. Hope it does. =)
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Friday, November 9th, 2007 AT 11:20 AM
Tiny
MILISSSA1
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It helped me im having the same problem thank you so much
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Sunday, March 6th, 2011 AT 6:42 PM

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