Key stuck, dash lights on

KONNIELEE

MEMBER
1999 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
63,800 MILES

My key got stuck in ignition. I purchased a new cylinder. New key came out, but dash lights still stayed on. So, I put the old cylinder back in. Seems like it does not realize it is in park. Maybe some other issue is behind my troubles. I have to disconnect battery every time, so the lights do not drain it.

4 Replies

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
3,094 POSTS

First thought, check the wires on the bottom of the steering column see if there is a wire rubbing or disconnected. You say you changed the cylinder. With the key being hard to get out, I wonder if the ignition switch itself could be bad.

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Friday, March 16th, 2018 AT 7:13 AM

KONNIELEE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

What is the difference between between the cylinder and the switch?

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Friday, March 16th, 2018 AT 3:31 PM

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
3,094 POSTS

The switch is the actual switch to start the engine and the cylinder is where the key goes.

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Saturday, March 17th, 2018 AT 6:38 AM

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
3,094 POSTS

The top one is of the ignition switch itself, where all the wires come in and when you turn the key it activates different things. The bottom one is of the key cylinder. It goes into the switch and works by turning the tumbler inside to get the car to run. These are just examples and may not be for your car.

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