I wanted to wait until I was really stumped before I made my first question on this board. I bought my first ever project car last month and finally got it running smooth. However, since I bought it, the key in ignition chime would ring as soon as the battery was connected (even with key removed) and won't stop until it is put in accessory. Now that I have a car that I can move around, I would like to finally tackle the issue, so I don't have to disconnect the battery every time I am done working on the car for the day.

So far, I have disconnected the door jamb switch and found that wasn't the issue. From what I have researched it seems it may be an issue somewhere in the ignition lock cylinder. I was looking on advice from where to start. I would prefer not to take apart the entire steering column, but I will if needed.

If this is any important the dude I bought it from inherited the car and lost the keys so he replaced the ignition in hopes of starting it himself so that may have been wired incorrectly.

 

Those previous owners...I hate them. First thing I'd do is check out the wiring diagram. There's a service manual available on this site. There are even more manuals available on Austinthirdgen. If you can't find what you're looking for, tell everyone what year and engine you have and I'll post a snap of the relevant circuits.

 

The known history of the car leads me to believe that the PO didn't re-assemble the column properly when he replaced the ignition switch. That's just an "educated GUESS",.... but it's also possible that the audio alarm itself is the problem. Swapping the Audio Alarm itself is quick, easy, and pretty cheap; & certainly a lot effort than tearing into the column as a first step.

This schematic is from the 85 Camaro; Your 88 Firebird has basically the same system WITH 1 EXCEPTION,... The "lights on input" wire in your car should be BROWN. ( Wires the same, but splices, plugs, harnesses are different.)



If you know how to use a voltmeter this schematic will help find the problem,..... Hope this helps in some way !

 

Do all 3rd gens have this? I don't recall mine working, seems like something one would notice.

 

Yup,... they *should* all have it !

 

knowing myself, the buzzer probably burnt out years ago, and I like the lack of the noise and just left it that way

 

Sorry I never got back to you. I ripped through the column and there is a small metal clip that seemed to be the issue. I put it back but don't think I did it correctly as the chime no longer pings even when I put the key in. I rather have this than it be on as soon as the battery is connected. I now have the chime when I keep the lights on with the key out but I no longer have to remove the battery to stop the chime so I'll take it.