Oldsmobile/Buick Repair: Starting Problems 1997 Olds Achieva, olds achieva, key cylinder

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Recently I've had problems my 1997 Olds Achieva. I noticed a question posted on 11/25/2005 and could not believe someone had the exact problem (right down to starting after having the car towed.) If I turn the key and the dash board does not light up I instantly know it will not start. I have power to everything else however. Usually if I leave the key on for a few minutes it will start and once in a while it won't. I'm thinking on changing the ignition switch and go from there but if you have any other suggestions I would appreciate it.
         Thanks,
         Russ Haggard
Answer -
Try  starting the vehicle in NEUTRAL. If it starts you most likely have a faulty ignition switch. NOT the cylinder where you put your key into, But the electrical portion which is called the IGNITION SWITCH.

NOTE: It is actually called the NEUTRAL STARTER SAFETY SWITCH.

I've tried and it will not start in neutral either. I've checked all connections and fuses and everything is fine. So I assume that I should install a cylinder first.

Answer
No the key cylinder is NOT going to do you any good to replace it. There is a small electrical component in the column that controls the shift lock mechanism and only has ONE wire that goes to the transaxle range switch which I believe is going to be your problem.

I can e-mail you a very simple electrical schematic that will require one single test that will determine where and what your fault is.

e-mail me at:

[email protected]

and I can send you the information as this site does not allow pictures.

Is this an AUTOMATIC or STANDARD transmission ?.



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