Car starts when key is turned to the "on" position?

TCOPE

MEMBER
1998 BUICK CENTURY

I have a 1998 buick century, 3.1l v6 with 160000 miles. Recently, the car has developed some problems, which all started at the same time.
*car starts when key is turned to the "on" position
*gauge cluster, radio and power windows will not work, but will suddenly come on after driving for various amounts of time.

i believe it is probably the ignition switch, but i'm not sure, so any help is greatly appreciated.

3 Replies

BUICKOWNER39

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Oh boy, my 98 had the exact same problem. What mine turned out to be was the anti-theft device was malfunctioning somehow, all I did was remove it and everything was fine. I hope that helps, unless you dont have an anti-theft device.

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Wednesday, July 11th, 2007 AT 10:46 PM

KEVINH235

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Buickowner39, I have a 1998 Century and it seems I am having the same problem. The car won’t start because the anti-theft is malfunctioning. How did you remove it? Because I am on the verge of junking it!

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Wednesday, March 9th, 2022 AT 1:06 PM

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hey Kevinh235,

Do appreciate you sharing that helpful information.

I have attached the anti-theft relearn process below, just in case someone wants to first try to reset the system rather than just removal.

Please let us know of any questions.
Thank you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

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