1991 Chevy Cavalier ignition key or ignition switch?

1991 CHEVROLET CAVALIER

98,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

AMIR200404

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My car has been acting funny lately, i was wondering if you can help me? So i go to start my car and it starts fine and drives ok, but heres the problem. Suddenly everything stops working, my radio shuts off, the windshield wipers stop, heater stop and so on,but the car remains on while im driving. but when i turn the key and hold it for a second and let go everything comes back on and work, but it shuts off again after a while. So i guess my question is would the problem be in the "ignition switch" or the the "ignition key lock"? i feel like its loose but i dont know and i dont want to spend money on the wrong part. if you can please help me for this is really frustrating without my heater and radio its boring to drive.
Thank you .. have a nice day

Mar 22, 2009 at 3:01 PM

DAVE H

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Hello .. thanks for the donation .. much appreciated Hope this helps ...let me know EXPERTEC TSB TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN Reference Number(s): 433203, Date of Issue: 05/06/94 Related Ref Number(s): 433203 ARTICLE BEGINNING IGNITION SWITCH MAY NOT RETURN - TO "RUN" POS. AFTER STARTING Model(s): 1991-94 CHEVROLET CAVALIER 1992-94 BUICK SKYLARK 1992-94 OLDSMOBILE ACHIEVA 1992-94 PONTIAC GRAND AM Bulletin No.: Chevrolet 433203, Pontiac 433203,Oldsmobile 433203, Buick 433203 Date: 05/06/1994 CONDITION SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY NOT RETURN TO THE "RUN" POSITION AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS STARTED. THE FOLLOWING ACCESSORIES MAY NOT OPERATE: RADIO, WINDSHIELD WIPERS/WASHER, CRUISE CONTROL, HEATER/AC, POWER WINDOWS, AND REAR DEFROST. THE IGNITION CIRCUIT (3) MAY NOT TURN ON UNTIL THE KEY IS TURNED TO THE "ON" POSITION. CAUSE THIS CONDITION MAY BE CAUSED BY INTERFERENCE IN THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN THE SWITCH MOUNTING SCREWS ARE TORQUED EXCESSIVELY. CORRECTION LOOSEN IGNITION SWITCH MOUNTING SCREWS AND TORQUE TO 1.4 N.M (12.4 LB. IN.). REFER TO SECTION 3F IN THE APPROPRIATE SERVICE MANUAL. WARRANTY INFORMATION WARRANTY INFORMATION: FOR VEHICLES REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY, USE: LABOR OPERATION NUMBER: N2320 USE PUBLISHED LABOR OPERATION TIME.

Mar 22, 2009 at 6:42 PM