Pontiac, Chevrolet, or Oldsmobile Won't Start? How to Replace the Ignition Switch

If your 2000 - 2005 Grand Am, Malibu, Impala, Monte Carlo, Alero, or Intrigue engine cranks and turns over but will not start and run, especially on cold days, the problem could be the ISS-271 ignition switch. The same one is used on all of these cars.

[@teresacameron9629]

Thanks for this video I took my smart phone and loaded the video in my grand am and was able to follow step by step to change the ignition switch and the lock cylinder. It took me about 6 hours but it saved me hundreds of $$$$. The mechanic up the street wanted over $700.00 to fix it, and being single that was not possible. Thanks again I would not have had any idea how to fix this problem without it.

[@joebloe681]

Teresa Bly Are you trying to say you need someone to place their key in your ignition switch? :P

[@xeomyles3015]

In my case, when I would try to start the car, the security light would stay solid and the gauges wouldn't move. I could wiggle the key or turn it to the on and start positions, and then *sometimes* it would crank. If the engine was cold, the security system would cut power and the gauges would fall back to zero before it turned over. Turns out this is the ignition switch itself being fubared. Replacing it worked like a charm. Many thanks for this video, it helped a ton and saved me several hundred dollars of taking it to a dealership where they wanted nearly 400 bucks for the stupid repair that took me just over an hour to do myself.

[@bryceadams1393]

This video saved me so much money. I removed the old and installed the new all by myself. The mechanic said it would cost upwards of $500. Thank you.

[@dswain2009]

Thank you! I have an '03 Grand Am. For two years, I've had issues with the car not starting when it was cold weather out. Only when the interior was heated would it turn over with no issues. Just recently, I found out that I could crank it by turning the key to a certain spot. The check engine light wouldn't be on while cranking. I replaced the ignition switch following your video, and now it cranks perfectly.

[@purelife500ml]

Hi there, I have a 2001 Grand am also and I had the same problem, It is very simple. The actual switch for the fan speed, temperature, and air flow direction is faulty. The air flow direction switch diverts vacuum pressure to the different doors in the vents. that switch is either broken inside or leaking. I went to the junk yard and bought the assembly for 20 bucks, took the shroud off, too two screws out and it was plug and play, worked like a charm. Cheers.

[@williamjohn8933]

Thank you for the video. I was able to change the ignition switch in my grand daughter's car with the help of you video. May God bless you!

[@seabeedaddy355]

Spot on directions!! Thank you...just to be extra safe I disconnected the battery all the way and waited 30 minutes before messing around with disassembling anything. Keep up the good work

[@aubreykuipers5194]

Awesome vid thank you so, much great camera work and great explanation my daughters 2001 grand am was giving me fits,ordered the part off ebay for 32 bucks and watched your video as I was doing the job.Got done cranked it over and she started right up and best of all no air bag deployment : ).Thanks a ton could not have done it without your help.

[@spelunkerd]

That's a nice step by step description of a complicated repair.

[@kimmeyer7244]

Wish we had found this video sooner, we have been fighting the no start in cold weather for 2 years. Great job!

[@Astonvman007]

This video helped me so much! My GAGT wasn't even cranking muche less turning over. After going through a battery, starter, and alternator we finally arrived at the switch but neither one of us ever attempted it before. THANX!

[@jerryscopier]

Thank You Young Man . I had one out (almost) the other day. I got lucky and was able to partially disassemble the switch and clean most of the contacts. some of them were pretty bad and that fixed it. Now that I've seen your video I know how to remove it completely. I was able to figure out how to remove the cable that goes to the shifter but didn't think to remove the cylinder before removing the last connector. That made it much harder to service the switch contact.

[@charms3609]

Dude thanks so much!!! I have a 2002 Grand Am GT1 and I used your video to change the ignition switch and it now runs great! Thanks again!

[@demascus49]

Great video, I had taken the stereo out but could not get the switch to come out that way. Taking the instrument group out is so much easier then I thought. So tomorrow we will get it out and replaced. Thanks again for a very through video

[@NotDavidM]

I ordered just the lock cylinder, thanks for the video, now I know I need that switch too.

[@swivmaster4891]

Thank you for this video. I was able to replace my switch with no problem. Amazing video. Thanks again.

[@rog1968]

2002 Grand Am, Thanks for your video. Helped me a bunch.

[@Mnllxndr]

Dude you rock. This was the problem on my mother in laws car. And I fixed it cheap cus of you. Mechanic wanted 400 to fix. I bought the part at ebay for 35 dollars and thats all it took. Thanx. You fucking rock

[@YeechBlitz]

It is our pleasure. Congratulations on getting it done without buying any parts.

[@justj2729]

Thanks for the video! It was a big help swapping out my ignition switch. As long as the switch isn't completely dead, you can give yourself more time if you take 200 (or close to it) grit sandpaper and clean off the contacts from both large rectangular connections (roughly 7-8 large ones and 3 small ones).

[@michaelhoward7353]

My car is not saying anything when I turn the nation can you please get back with me

[@justj2729]

If the car is doing nothing when you turn the key, I would check the battery to make sure it isn’t bad (too low voltage, connections are secure and making contact).

[@YeechBlitz]

I am glad you were able to fix it. Congrats on that.

[@fdort3971]

Glad I'm not the only one who struggles with the dash fuse panels...lol

[@YeechBlitz]

That is usually a bad key cylinder, where it is broken inside where the key goes, or a bad steering lock pawl, which connects the steering wheel to the ignition. You could try getting graphite powder, putting on the key, and moving it back and forth. There is a 1-in-10 chance that this will work.

[@sincitydude7296]

great video. you showed and explaind every step of the process for the repair. nice work! wish other video were more like yours.

[@YeechBlitz]

Yes. We tried it through the center console once -- frustrating failure. Save time and effort by taking out the instrument panel.

[@princeb71]

A friend came over with his 98 Malibu 3.1. With the key on, engine off for about 10-15min, he went over to get the key out. Turning the switch off and removing the key, and then trying to start the car about 5-10min later, everything electrical was dead. Or so it seemed. Not being a noob to car repair, I checked the battery by temp replacing it with a known good one. No change. We changed the ignition switch. Still no change. But in the process, there were many times that various buzzings and clicks were heard. The electric trunk release would click for a while, something that I could hear inside the car but he couldn't outside the car. They were rapid. The lights would not come on, but one time they did and immediately went back off. An intermittent buzz could be heard emanating from somewhere behind the fuse panel on the passenger's side. No fuses were blown anywhere, either there or elsewhere. Nothing identifiable could be found wrong. When the clicks and intermittent buzzes were heard, any indicator lights on the dash panel, as well as an charging adapter connected to an outlet, would simultaneously dim and re-brighten in concert with the noises. But when the power was totally lost, EVERYTHING went off and would not come on. Could this be the work of the Pass-key/Passlock system, ie. bad lock cylinder (as the key can be removed while in on position)? Or is his computer dying/dead?

[@princeb71]

Sometimes the noises would be made without the key even in the ignition, and with the switch in the off position. I've read elsewhere of others having the horn blow and/or the windows operate with the vehicle off and key in hand and they're outside the car. From what I've read, this car is a piece of crap anyway, riddled with all sorts of problems that GM scrapped in favor of a makeover starting from the drawing board. There are good stories out there, but they are outnumbered by the horror stories and encumbrances of having to deal with unnecessary junk often daily. This includes intake manifold gaskets, which this guy has had to replace too. Surging while driving is also a problem he's experienced and the problem we were working on. I connected my Auto-Xray code scanner, just as i had before, and 20-30 min later everything electrical in totality died. Connecting the code scanner, which I had done to his car 3-4 times before for the surging, was the reason the key was left on.

[@YeechBlitz]

First, try putting some WD-40 or oil on the key, slide it in and out a few times, and see if a tad of oil in their helps. Second, try forcibly pulling the steering way all of the way to the left and all of the way to the right, turning the ignition key as you do this. If this does not work, it is possible that the interlock system is malfunctioning. Try searching on KZbin for "shift lock" and "shift lock solenoid", and for this video: BYBD4_Bm_8g .

[@riyad9199]

I tried every thing Iwan to change new one

[@krustdogg131]

It's actually the electronic switch behind the key that us the issue

[@geneb2262]

I see why this video has 400 thousand views. good job!

[@xadam2dudex]

it would have been easier if u just disconnect the battery

[@joshbeck6569]

I died when you used the ball joint fork to remove that plastic panel

[@BruceWayne-cw6bl]

I wanted to know the trick you talk about if the car doesn't start in the cold but does when it's warm Thanks B

[@TWOSU_NEWS]

So., being a gm mechanic., the entire ignition switch and key lock were designed to be removed via radio slot, thus why release clip on right side!

[@victoriatovar6117]

Dirty Trucker so what your saying is I could do this by just removing the radio?

[@Portuguese-linguica]

@@victoriatovar6117 yes

[@mademanfatz364]

Mad Sexy how

[@Portuguese-linguica]

@@mademanfatz364 how what ? Remove the radio ?

[@mademanfatz364]

Mad Sexy I have the radio taken out and the switch unbolted but I can’t reach the wire clamps

[@YeechBlitz]

The most likely thing is that the ignition switch needs to be replaced. You could try getting some graphite powder from the auto store, put on the key and work in and out. The only way I personally know of to get a jammed ignition switch out is drill it out with a 5/8" drill bit. It is very important to keep it centered, parallel, and do not go too deep.

[@molly18239]

Excellent video brother. Very clear and informative. I have a Grand Am with same problem.

[@deano7198]

Nice use of the pickle fork👍

[@ronravancho8922]

Great video. Really helped and was spot on when I replaced the ignition switch. TY.

[@YeechBlitz]

I cannot think of a way to do that at the moment, although there surely must be a way. Try these first: Turn key in opposite direction, remove, insert and try again; Turn the key lightly while turning the steering wheel back-and-forth strongly; Put gear shifter in-and-out of Park several times; Lubricate with graphite powder (put on key and insert in and out); rap on outside of ignition switch (for stuck tumblers); make sure key isn't bent.

[@trevorbarnes9189]

No shoes I love this guy!😂 thanks buddy

[@YeechBlitz]

The the blower motor is working if you hear the motor spinning when you turn the blower on. Turn the switch to Defrost and feel if air is coming out of the vents on the top of the dashboard right next to the bottom of the windshield. If air flow is weak or none, this points to an air valve (like a damper) that is not moving. This is mostly likely due to vacumn leak in your vacumn system. This can be traced down with a $25 vacumn gauge and a diagram of your Grand Am's vacumn system.

[@RetroPCUser]

Or as the news would call it: Recalled. The Small Burgundy Piece of Junk (SBPOJ), 2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue went to accessory mode when turning left, and took ages to start up again.

[@YeechBlitz]

Check voltage on starter solenoid when trying to crank engine. Should jump to approx. +12 volts. If no voltage, check wires on starter relay, which is wired between ign. switch and starter. Both should jump to 12 volts when trying to crank. Check fuse between battery positive terminal and ignition switch. It is smaller wire; trace it from the positive battery terminal until you find fuse. Check it. That's about it. Doingthis, you should be able to locate the problem.

[@mden98]

Great video! It looks similar to my2006 Grand Prix, which I will be changing out soon. My question is, if I also replace the lock cylinder, will the new keys work or will I need to re-program them?

[@YeechBlitz]

Way to do it, Mnllxndr. Glad you pulled it off because it is pretty involved task.

[@YeechBlitz]

Yes, 3.4L. Thanks for pointing that out, Clayton Cardinal.

[@YeechBlitz]

It is probably an unconnected wire. It indicates that the main computer (ECM) is not getting a signal from another circuit, but with no indication of one it is failing to communicate. The circuits that could be out of communication could be the antilock brake system, air bag, instrument cluster, or ignition switch on the dash. You have to do wire tracing with a voltmeter more likely. For more information, do a google search on: dmaxcentral DTC U1000 code nwtdiesel and pick first site found.

[@YeechBlitz]

From what I remember, everything under the dashboard and behind the instrument panel (wiring, fasteners, layout) is the same. The dashboard and panels are different, so a different method of getting behind the dashboard will be required. With a little luck, you can figure this out by trial and error.

[@YeechBlitz]

Nice picture of you, DynastyQq9. If you can get the key out, put graphite powder on the key and work it into the keyhole. If not, try pulling your steering wheel hard in one direction, and then the other, as you try to work the key out.

[@afterhours819]

I just did this and it worked perfectly. Very descriptive and easy to follow. I do my own work but this was difficult to do without this video. Good job.

[@tivagirl4562]

Thank you for saving me tons of money!

[@wandamorton4607]

Thank you this is what my car is doing.

[@kenethaddison1611]

Dide that was an amazing video appreciate it u helped me out a whole lot thank u

[@YeechBlitz]

Not that I know of, as far as the ignition switch is concerned, but Hall effect sensors are used in all kinds of different places in all models of car anymore.

[@MrAhicks66]

As an additional note: air bag systems are STILL POWERED when the fuse is removed, as they have an emergency backup battery system. I would recommend that, to disable the air bag, use a 7mm socket to remove the bolts in the rear of the 'bag, and then gently disconnect the yellow connector.

[@YeechBlitz]

That is great to hear, 21stCenturySin. Congrats on that.

[@michaelbennett8847]

Thanks for the video! Not much out there so its nice to see a good how to. Question. Couldn't i just disconnect the pos batt connection instead of disconnecting the airbags?

[@michaelbennett8847]

Just the one fuse (left side), and disconnect yellow plugs (one on each side)? ie. not a fuse on the right side to disconnect?

[@Dragunov302]

That's nice. But when I put the metal cylinder in and the wires. The key doesn't come out!

[@YeechBlitz]

The more possibilities are a dead battery, corroded battery-to-battery-cable connection (clean with wire brush), broken starter solenoid, or blown fuse. However, a bad ignition switch can be the cause. Try this reset procedure: attempt to start the vehicle , leave ignition on until THEFT SYSTEM indicator turns off , (approximetly 10 minutes) , turn ignition switch off , attempt to start vehicle. If this does not apply to your car, do a Google search on "pass lock reset" with your car make.

[@M5streetperformance]

Great video. Helped a ton. Thanks

[@YeechBlitz]

There are a gazillion wires and devices that could be going wrong and draining the battery. Everything from a wire with the insulation scraped off to trunk light bulb that is shorted out. Get a $10 multimeter from Walmart, disconnect the ground cable and monitor the current flow (amps) while you pull fuses one at a time. That usually narrows down the circuit that is at fault.

[@huckgoode9796]

Great video mine is doing something different it's not starting unless you find a certain spot when you turn key

[@YeechBlitz]

Air bags have a secondary battery the deploys the airbags. This is so the air bags still deploy of the crash pulls apart the battery cables or damages the battery during the crash.

[@MackensieProsserMusic]

I have a 2003 Pontiac Grand am gt and when I put the key in to start my car it will not let me turn my key at all. It stays in the off position. I have tried about everything I can. I have wiggled the steering wheel. I tried to put wd40 in to loosen up any jammed parts. I called around and I'm just not sure how to figure out which one (ignition switch or the lock and key switch) I need replaced. I want to be able to do this myself verses paying for it to be fixed. I also have theftlock. Ideas?

[@YeechBlitz]

I am not sure, but from what I remember at the moment, this will not be a problem on the 2001 Grand Am.

[@luisaguilar7008]

Very very useful video

[@DwightTyson]

Best step by step, Thanks

[@jessicadaniels536]

Anti theft system will cause these same GM cars to turn over, but not start also. So,, this problem may not be a faulty ignition switch. To by pass it, put your key in the accessory position for 10 to 12 minutes, & then try starting the car. Works every time in my 2003 Malibu.

[@YeechBlitz]

Thanks for your replies to that question, sgthardy316 and TheDamrows.

[@YeechBlitz]

1. It is definitely an electrical problem that sounds like a blown fuse. 2. Without power to the dash, there is probably no power to the ignition switch module, and there is no way to start without this. 3. You said the fuses have power giong to them - they should also have power leaving them so double check all the fuses. 4. You are probably going to have to get a wiring diagram of the Grand Am and trace the circuits with a voltmeter. I apologize that I can't be more exact.

[@bigferny1]

Great video

[@YeechBlitz]

It sounds like the Hall effect sensor on the ignition unit that the lock cylinder slides into. To diagnose, search on our other video. Search KZbin for "Yeechblitz torch ignition".

[@jonrandall5490]

Good job!! I have an '02 Olds Intrigue. The way the dash pad cover is made, it isn't as easy to get to the 2 ten mm bolts that hold this ignition switch in place. Who wants to remove the whole dash cover? Seems like a nightmare to do this on the Olds version of these GM cars... ANY IDEAS?

[@leeglenn345]

I don't have any experience with Oldsmobiles. I hate that I can't help you on this. Yeah, nobody ever wants to remove the dashboard -- big job.

[@jonrandall5490]

@@leeglenn345 It's okay, Lee. I appreciate your kindness. It seems the Chevy's and Pontiac's are a better design as far as getting the entire switch out. I looked at a '02 Monte Carlo and a '00 Malibu in the last couple of days and they appear much easier. Thanks anyway, Sir.

[@kevinroth7662]

I did everything like the video say,but when I put the cabe in the key won;t com out. I took it all apart again and found that out. It is apart what to do. thanks Kevin.

[@a56rumba]

Hey man great vid..I have a 2002 impala and I was wondering if there is any reprograming or radio reset codes for theftlock and any other memory functions involved.. thanks

[@wyatt480]

I bought a brand new edition switch how do I reset it 2000 Chevy Malibu

[@41point2]

Great Video Thanks so much for sharing. Have a Venture Van. My key is working but the motor is not starting . The starter is fine. New Battery. I've been told its the ignition system. The Van actually try to start it self a few times as I walked away from it. lol Any thoughts Guess, Ball park? Won't hold you to it :)

[@YeechBlitz]

There was no radio theftlock in the car in our video, so we did not have to contend with that. To reset theftlock, 1. disconnect the negative battery cables and lay it against the positive cable for 20 sec, reconnect. 2. Turn ignition (Ig) to Start (engine will turn but not start) then turn to Ig to Run without turning Ig to Off. 3. Security light goes off in 10 min. Repeat 1. to 3. two more times. Then turn Ig to Off, then start engine. Sometimes, cable disconnection unneded.Start at Step 2.

[@minamiranda9835]

Many Thanks- Very helpful!

[@YeechBlitz]

We got it for $30 on eBay from big seller named "trustednameautoparts". There are other sellers as well. Just do an eBay or Amazon search on ISS-271.

[@kyamgibran1785]

Hey Yeech, great video! Im working on replacing an ignition switch in my wifes 99 Chevy Malibu, after going to the junkyard and trying to pull one out today I learned that the steel wire in the back of the unit would not release. Is this bc the junkyard car that I was working on didn't have a key to turn and release it? Now if thats the case when I go to install the new one is there a trick on how to place that steel wire component back into the ignition switch housing? It would be great if you could respond asap I'm trying to complete the repair tom. Thanks!

[@YeechBlitz]

You probably need to insert the key and turn it to the "Run" position first, then the steel wire might pull out.

[@AlxeMsatain]

Thank you for posting this

[@YeechBlitz]

I don't know if it will turn or not, but probably not. See other comments below about resetting the ignition, as there is programming of keys, technically. You can reset the ignition yourself easily and this is likely to solve the problem.

[@barnstormer737]

Good work brother!

[@YeechBlitz]

It sounds to be like the ignition switch does need to be replaced, especially if it does not start when the interior of the car is cool. However, first try the passcode reset procedure that we explain elsewhere in the comments for this video. Search the page for the word "reset."

[@monnnat]

I have a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am Gt. I put the key in sometimes and everything comes on, radio, dash lights, ect... so the battery has plenty of juice but it wont turn over. Doesn't even click? Some guy at a garage said something maybe about a wire that's not working correctly?

[@YeechBlitz]

You drill right through the center, where the key would normally go. Yes, it is vicious and destructive to do.

[@Happysmoker2008]

great video! thanks

[@brucekeys9432]

thanks youngin.✌️

[@stephenshuqlz476]

Did you replace only the ISS-271 ignition switch or both that and the ignition lock cylinder? The ebay parts don't seem to include both?

[@gregcampion5168]

I've been researching the same problem for my 2002 Olds Alero and discovered your video. I ordered the part and am hoping that is the problem with my car as I'm not sure on steps to check other problems such as fuel pump, etc. I've also tried the security reset and the torch/heat trick but neither worked. My car with crank but not start at all. Do you know if it is also common for the switch to fail completely where no temporary fixes work such as heat or the security reset?

[@claytoncardinal7832]

awesome video man, do you know anything about a 2005 impala? need to know where the crankshaft position sensor is. and if i could change it myself. thx man look forward to hearing from you.

[@broadcasttttable]

I've been watching other vids and it looked like you could remove the ignition cylinder just by removing the radio, but you remove the entire instrument panel as well. What am I missing here?

[@YeechBlitz]

Thanks for your help helpful instructions here, TheDamrows.

[@josselynlamoza]

After doing all that my service light didn't go away .how do I reset the service light????please help.

[@ambassadorforchrist9504]

Disconnect the negative cable from battery. Then turn key on turn headlamps on. Then join touch negative wire to Red or positive wire. Hold together for 30 seconds. Then let go. After turn 🔑 to off. Turn off head lamp switch. Then reconnect battery negative to Regain Power. Would engine 💡 is out. Or use o. B. D 2 diagnostic scan tool and simply erase codes.

[@Freemandemon49]

Hi can you tell me how this is connected to the steering wheel locking system.My 2004 Olds. Alero stars fine but the steering wheel doesn't lock anymore.Can you tell me if there is a relay or module that gets energized, that locks the Steering Wheel.Appreciate a reply.

[@13leslieanne]

I have a 2002 Chevy Impala that started a couple months ago being hard to start. I would have to turn the key, jiggle the wheel, etc. Then I would bounce the battery and wiggle wires till it would start. It would flash on the airbag light, and a couple others, then they would go off.Took it to the garage, first he said the key was worn. So I took the spare key in and it still won't start. The he said I needed a new key cylinder, and I had the locksmith look at it. He said no it's not that. Do I need to replace the module? The Chevy dealer says if I do, he's the only one who can re-program it.

[@YeechBlitz]

Actually, I am totally not crazy, EryeMackey. My Grand Am has a body kit, new paint job, engine, and interior enhancements that a factory model does not have.

[@YeechBlitz]

On a 2005 Impala, it is underneath the harmonic balance pulley, which has to be removed. It is a pain.

[@yajmuhs7853]

Pure fire bro

[@thekillergarcia6676]

Man very tanks for you tutorial

[@dkhill27]

I have the same problem. Do you have an aftermarket radio? Or any aftermarket electronics? Mine ended up being my crap radio I got from wally world. I also pulled the bulbs in my glove box and trunk cause sometimes they will stay on.

[@claytoncardinal7832]

oh its a 3.4 litre, thought i should mention that because the sensor is different for a 3.8 ltr and a 3.4 ltr.