Removing/replacing ignition starter switch

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros. Com.

You are correct. Zone 3 needs turned off/disabled when doing the repair. Here are the directions for disabling zone 3 (steering wheel). Picture 1 shows zones, picture 2 zone locations,

SIR DISABLING AND ENABLING ZONE 3
SIR DISABLING AND ENABLING ZONE 3

DISABLING PROCEDURE
1. Turn the steering wheel until the vehicles wheels are pointing straight ahead.

IMPORTANT: Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling Zones before disabling the SIR system.

2. Turn OFF the ignition.
3. Remove the key from the ignition.
4. Remove the trim panel.

(pic 3)

5. Remove the Air Bags fuse from the fuse block (5) located in the underhood fuse block.

IMPORTANT: With the Air Bags fuse removed and the ignition ON, the AIR BAG indicator illuminates. This is normal operation and does not indicate an SIR system malfunction.

(pic 4)

6. Remove the connector position assurance (CPA) (1) from the steering wheel module yellow 4-way connector (2) located left of the steering column above the left hinge pillar trim panel.
7. Disconnect the steering wheel module yellow 4-way connector (2) located left of the steering column above the left hinge pillar trim panel.

ENABLING PROCEDURE
1. Remove the key from the ignition.

(pic 5)

2. Connect the steering wheel module yellow 4-way connector (2) located left of the steering column above the left hinge pillar trim panel.
3. Install the CPA (1) to the steering wheel module yellow 4-way connector (2) located left of the steering column above the left hinge pillar trim panel.

(pic 6)

4. Install the Air Bags fuse to the fuse block (5) located in the underhood fuse block.
5. Staying well away from all air bags, turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
1. The AIR BAG indicator will flash 7 times.
2. The AIR BAG indicator will then turn OFF.
6. Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle, if the AIR BAG indicator does not operate as described. See: Vehicle > Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview > Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

____________________________________

Make sure you disconnect the negative battery terminal as described in the directions. Also, I recommend allowing the vehicle to sit 30 minutes with the battery disconnected prior to starting work.

Now for the switch directions. In my manual, they are shown in picture form. Therefore, I have attached the directions in pictures 7 and 8. If you are unable to read them, let me know and I'll help you through them.

Note that step 2 says to disconnect the battery.

Last, the new switch will need relearned. There are two ways of doing it. One way is using a tech 2 scanner. The second doesn't require a scanner, but you must follow the directions.

Since most people don't have the tech 2 scanner, here are the alternate directions. It will take 30 minutes to complete, so make sure you have the time.

__________________

30-MINUTE LEARN PROCEDURE
1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
2. Attempt to start the engine, then release the key to ON, vehicle will not start.
3. Observe the SECURITY telltale. After approximately 10 minutes, the telltale will turn OFF.
4. Turn OFF the ignition, and wait 5 seconds.
5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 two more times for a total of 3 cycles/30 minutes. The vehicle is now ready to relearn the Passlock Sensor Data Code and/or passwords on the next ignition switch transition from OFF to CRANK.
6. Start the engine. The vehicle has now learned the Passlock Sensor Data Code and/or password.

IMPORTANT: The vehicle learns the Passlock(TM) Sensor Data Code and/or password on the next ignition switch transition from OFF to CRANK. You must turn the ignition OFF before attempting to start the vehicle.

_______________________________

I hope this is helpful. Let me know if I can help.

Take care,
Joe

Hi again:

The ignition switch should not cause the issues you described. What I need are the trouble codes the person found when the computer was scanned. Can you get them for me?

Let me know.

Joe