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

1998 BUICK CENTURY
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TCOPE
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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.
Jun 18, 2007 at 10:44 AM
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BUICKOWNER39
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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...
Jul 11, 2007 at 10:46 PM
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KEVINH235
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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!!
Mar 9, 2022 at 1:06 PM
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SQM
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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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Mar 9, 2022 at 6:59 PM