Cranking problem

Tiny
BILLIEJEAN2018
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 OLDSMOBILE 88
  • 110,000 MILES
Last three to four months when starting the ignition key the the car would not make a sound, but after turning it off and retrying it it would immediately crank up. Would do this at about once a week. Then last week while driving the gauge lights lit up and car seemed as if it was trying to cut off but lights went out and it continued to run. When I came back to car later that day to attempt to crank it it would not say a word, not even a click. When I turn the ignition key to start it it is completely silent. The gauge lights will not even light up. When turning switch in on position only thing that works is air condition, lights (inside and out) and horn. There is no fire coming from spark plugs. My key has a chip and I took it to store and the they checked the key and said that the key is reading. Please help.
Saturday, April 21st, 2018 AT 7:51 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,292 POSTS
Sounds like you need an ignition switch. I am not talking about the lock cylinder, but the electrical switch that the lock cylinder turns. When they fail, you get symptoms much like what you are describing. Here is a YouTube video on replacing GM ignition switches: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSQPDe5jeUY

Good luck and let us know what happens.
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Sunday, April 22nd, 2018 AT 3:39 AM
Tiny
BILLIEJEAN2018
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks for your speedy reply! I used this site approximately about two years ago when I had a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix. I described what my car was doing and an expert told me it was my positioning crankshaft sensor. To make a long story short, replaced it and problem was solved. I was so thrilled that I posted on my Facebook account how helpful 2CarPros had been to me! Now concerning the situation about my 1999 88 Oldsmobile. I had several so-called mechanics to try to find out what was wrong with my car without any success. I was given diagnoses of bad starter, alternator, crank sensor, computer (ECM "brain-box), etc, and they charged me for taking my car apart and it still was not fixed ($200.00). One so-called mechanic worked on my car all day! Then a neighbor referred me to a third mechanic (by this time I am pulling what is left of my hair out!) When the mechanic arrived at my home I showed him the response that you had sent me. He read it and went to work. In thirty minutes he had my car cranked! It was the electrical part of the ignition switch (not the tumbler). It had burned. He charged me $20.00 for locating the problem and $20.00 for installation and the part itself was around $5000. I am a woman and some mechanics tend to take advantage of women when it comes to car repairs! I will be recommending this mechanic and 2CarPros to to every lady friend I know. God bless this mechanic and God bless 2CarPros!
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Sunday, April 22nd, 2018 AT 12:42 PM
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,292 POSTS
Hey that is great to hear! We could always use the referrals and are glad to help anytime!
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Sunday, April 22nd, 2018 AT 6:26 PM

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