98 Lesabre starts, but shuts off in key on

[mgl995]

Hey everyone!

A coworker of mine has a 1998 Buick Lesabre, and it starts and runs fine until you let go of the key and it returns to the on position then shuts off.

If you hold it between Start and On it will run fine, but it shuts right off after the key returns to the on position. The ignition switch cylinder has been replaced.

Now, another thing that was noticed was a new key was made, but won't go in to the new cylinder all the way, so currently the dummy key that came with it is being used with the chip soldered in with the Passkey system, bypassing the need for a key with the chip in it.

This was happening before replacing the lock cylinder, which is why the switch was replaced.

Could it be the switch itself is bad? or something else going wrong?😕

 

[dcraig1000]

it definitely sounds like the switch is bad. but I am wondering if the starter enable relay is bad and not energizing closed. see if there is another relay exactly alike and swap them to see if thats the case.

 

[mgl995]

Could the Starter relay cause that to happen? Because it's acting almost like the Run position is sitting between Start and where the key rests in Run. All the accessories work when it is between there so it is coming out of the starting mode or whatever it is called.

I'll give it a shot because a Relay is probably cheaper than the actual ignition switch. Certainly easier to change out. I know electronic issues can do strange things.

 

[dcraig1000]

if the relay isnt latching closed, then yes.

 

[1380Ken]

It is the switch

 

[mgl995]

Sorry about the delay.
Well, we went ahead and replaced the ignition switch and voila! Worked like a charm.

Thanks for the input, guys.
Too bad the ignition issue decided to move to my Blazer. I think it's a Shift-Lock relay but I digress.

Thanks again!