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The ignition switch is broken

Tiny
REDCRU777
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 PLYMOUTH NEON
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
Last night it took me three tries to start the engine before it finally started, and this morning I was able to start the engine twice with just one try, but on the third time, it no longer worked. It looks like there's totally no contact in the switch.

Please advise.

Thanks.

Rey


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Wednesday, June 8th, 2022 AT 11:18 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

When the ignition switch goes bad, as you try to start the engine it will not allow any power to the starter, and it will not make any noise.

I have attached the lock cylinder and the ignition switch replacement procedure below for your reference.

Let me know of any questions.
Thank you.
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Thursday, June 9th, 2022 AT 8:43 PM
Tiny
REDCRU777
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  • 81 POSTS
Hello Sean,

Thanks a lot for this swift reply!
Yes, it doesn't make any contact with the starter and doesn't make any sound at all.

I will work on it soon as I get the new switch.

I'll keep you posted.

Thanks so much for the assistance.

Rey
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Thursday, June 9th, 2022 AT 9:52 PM
Tiny
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You are welcome Rey!
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Friday, June 10th, 2022 AT 10:04 AM
Tiny
REDCRU777
  • MEMBER
  • 81 POSTS
Hi Sean,

I was finally able to replace the ignition switch yesterday, and it worked fine each time I switched the engine on. I tried it again this morning and it was okay.
This afternoon I tested it again four times but the fifth time, it didn't work. I tried several times but was unsuccessful, just like how it was before with the old switch. Every time I try to run the engine, there's nothing, no sound, and the radio light dims. The battery charge is okay, (12.7v), I just replaced the alternator last week.

Please advise.

Thank you.
Rey
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Sunday, June 19th, 2022 AT 9:48 PM
Tiny
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Rey,

Did you replace the both the lock cylinder and the ignition switch?
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Sunday, June 19th, 2022 AT 10:46 PM
Tiny
REDCRU777
  • MEMBER
  • 81 POSTS
No Sean, just the switch, it was working fine throughout yesterday, until it failed after four successful one-click starts this afternoon.

Could it be the neutral safety switch?
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Sunday, June 19th, 2022 AT 10:51 PM
Tiny
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If you mess with the shift knob, put it in neutral. Will that make it start?
If the neutral safety switch is bad, then usually working the shifter allows the engine to start.
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Monday, June 20th, 2022 AT 2:11 PM
Tiny
REDCRU777
  • MEMBER
  • 81 POSTS
Yes, Sean, I tried starting it on neutral, and even on different shifts (pnrd), but was not successful.
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Monday, June 20th, 2022 AT 8:23 PM
Tiny
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That generally rules out the neutral safety switch.
Here is a guide on how to test the switch:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-neutral-safety-switch-works

I wonder if the lock cylinder is not making proper contact when it is turned.
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Tuesday, June 21st, 2022 AT 11:29 AM
Tiny
REDCRU777
  • MEMBER
  • 81 POSTS
Hi Sean,

Thanks for the follow up reply.
I'm happy to let you know that I believe the problem has been resolved. I checked the fuses yesterday and noticed that the starter relay has some yellowish discharged around its pins, so I replaced it with the horn relay, then tried to start the engine, then voila, it worked! The starter ignition switch works like new, with just one click!
I just hope the main problem has been solved for good.

Thanks for the support, Sean!

Until next time.

Rey
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Tuesday, June 21st, 2022 AT 11:46 AM
Tiny
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That is great news Rey!
I am glad you got it figured out.

Thanks again for using 2CarPros.
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Tuesday, June 21st, 2022 AT 3:25 PM
Tiny
REDCRU777
  • MEMBER
  • 81 POSTS
Thank you, Sean, you guys at 2CarPros are a big help and very reliable in times of my vehicle repair needs.

Rey
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Tuesday, June 21st, 2022 AT 3:31 PM
Tiny
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You are most welcome!
Your feedback means a lot to us!
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Tuesday, June 21st, 2022 AT 3:33 PM

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