ok , sometimes my water temp gauge wont read unless i wiggle the ignition switch even after the car is running, im asuming the switch is on its way it......however.....my key has a chip on the metal part of the key,it looks like black plastic square with a metal line in the center of it.........anyone know how you go about replacing the switch? can i bypass the security crap and just get a $20 ig switch from advance auto parts? the dealer is tellin me its $27 to have a new key cut and $53 for the ig switch......argh!



its a 91 bird btw

 

wasp,

The ignition lock cylinder and actual ignition switch are two separate parts. The lock cylinder is where you insert the key, and contains contacts ONLY for the VATS resistor in the key blank. The ignition switch itself is located near the base of the steering column, attached to the top of the column outer jacket. It is connected to the lock cylinder via a rack and sector gear, and linkage rod.

 

Incidently, the dealer is RAPING you for VATS keys. Most local locksmiths will cut a genuine GM replacement VATS key for $5.00, not $27.00. At least that's what I can get around here.

What a joke...

 

i see, well then what would cause my water temp not to read sometimes unless i wiggle the key? the ignition switch itself or could it be a problem with those gears in there? christ nothing is easy

 

well mine was doing that one time and what it was doing was it was almost stuck in the position u start it but not quite. If you notice when you start it the guages dont work. I just think your ignition switch thing is sticking.