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faulty ignition switch

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Old Aug 15, 2006 | 12:17 PM
  #1  
delacruz_17's Avatar
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faulty ignition switch

How do i know if my ignition switch is going bad. My car turns on when ever it feels like it. At first i thought it was the battery or the starter because the car does not even turn. Then i changed a 7.5amp fuse "starter fuse" in the fuse box inside the car, didnt fix the problem. The reason i belive my igniton switch has gone bad is because when i open the drive side door open and insert the key the "beeep beeep" noise doesnt always come on, I have to jiggle the key around in order for the "beeep beeep" sound to come on (i assume the beep noise to tell the drive the door is open). Do I have a ignition switch gone bad? I am cost cautious consumer aka college student so the most economical diagnosis is greatly appreciate.

PS: when i turn the key i hear a clicking noise near the inside fuse box.
Old Aug 15, 2006 | 12:21 PM
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You mean even with the key out of the lock the engine warning lights come on and you can operate the windows?

Or do you mean when the key is in the lock, the ignition switch operation is intermittent?

Does it cut out when you're rolling?
Old Aug 15, 2006 | 12:27 PM
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Once the car is on the car does not turn off and there are no problems what so ever.

When the key is in the lock, the widows always row down, radio works, just the car does not turn.

The only reason i belive its the ignition switch is because of the beeeep sound or else i would assume it can be the starter, that's all i can think of.
Old Aug 15, 2006 | 03:20 PM
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Try the theft warning relay. Relay box at left fender. Facing the car, left row, second from rear. Pull the relay out and jump terminals 1 and 2. If it starts there is something wrong with the theft warning system. What you are doing in jumping 1 and 2 is allowing power to go from the switch to the starter.
Old Aug 15, 2006 | 03:35 PM
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Before my ignition switch went bad I had to twist it hard against the stop before the starter would kick on. I remember thinking "I didn't used to have to twist so hard. The switch must be going bad." I ignored it and sure enough the day came when the starter wouldn't kick on and I was 100 miles from home. Replaced the switch and problem solved. It was around $70 part as I remember and not hard to replace.
Old Aug 15, 2006 | 04:03 PM
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Originally Posted by delacruz_17
Once the car is on the car does not turn off and there are no problems what so ever.

When the key is in the lock, the widows always row down, radio works, just the car does not turn.

The only reason i belive its the ignition switch is because of the beeeep sound or else i would assume it can be the starter, that's all i can think of.
My ignition switch went bad a few weeks ago and when it goes the car electrical system shuts down completely, nothing!!
Usually the solder joints fail in the switch as it ages. I don't understand why the windows are involved. I don't know if only a part of the switch can go bad and not the rest. Maybe someone else knows but generally it's an all or nothing problem.
Old Aug 15, 2006 | 05:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Maxima880
Replaced the switch and problem solved. It was around $70 part as I remember and not hard to replace.
omg if u payed 70 bucks for that than u got way ripped off.. its only 35 at the dealer...
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