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strange problem with key (for 99 Grand AM)

NEK5

NEK5

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Guy at works son has an issue with his 1999 Pontiac Grand AM. It's supposably a non-chipped key (says the kid). He broke it off in the ignition. Went to the dealer, pulled up whatever list they had and was given a replacement key. Got home, key didn't work. In either the ignition, nor the door. So he put the parts together from the key that he broke, took it to the local key place and had a copy made. When he got back and tried the key, it opened the door, but wouldn't turn in the ignition. Any ideas??? Is he pretty much SOL, ie. having to replace the ignition?

TIA!
 
Wouldn't turn in the ign, or start the car? If it was suppsoed to be chipped, would it still turn?
That might identify if its supposed to be chipped.

Besides that, im worthless
 
its not cut good enough then.

I believe chipped keys are only suppose to complete a circuit with the actual starting of the car.

I've had plenty of key copies made and worked in say the left door and not the right.
 
That's what i though too....could it be just as simple as that? easy fix, besides getting a new key cut?
 
anything he can do to the key to make it work? or best of getting a new one cut?
 
more info needed on the how or why it broke in the ignition,

Those years had issues with the ignition, but they gave fair warning well in advance as you would sometimes have to giggle it or try a couple times. Lots of keys on the key ring??
 
that car is likely not chipped, if it was you could simply hold the old key part up to the ignition with the new key to find out. Our local parts store has a reader to scan if you key is chipped too. The key being chipped would not stop it from turning though.
 
found some good info

Answer


Recently had this problem and it was fixed by replacing the igniton tumbler and resetting the computer.


Answer


I just did one on a 99 Grand Am. It really was quite simple once I got it apart. If the ignition will not turn from the off position; you cannot remove the lock cylinder in a normal manner by turning the key to the on position and depressing the retainer pin and sliding the lock cylinder out. If you just drill out the semi-rectangular shaped area behind the retainer pin you can break the lever style spring on the lock cylinder and the retainer pin will come out allowing you to remove the lock cylinder(make sure to leave the area immediately (approximately ¼") behind the retainer pin so you can reinstall the new lock cylinder). Nobody supplied me this information the Auto Zone near me had both the lock cylinder and the ignition switch in stock so I could see how it all went together before I got started. Once you get the new cylinder, you may want to take it to a lock smith and have it keyed to match the existing key so you don't have to mess with two keys (one for the doors and one for the ignition). The one thing you need to be aware of is the factory Passlock Security System. If you did not have the ignition re-keyed you will need to reprogram the security system in order for the car to start.


I used the 10 minute reprogram for the Passlock 2 system, put the key in the ignition and turn the engine over (the car should not start, if it did you are done), turn the key to the ON position, let it set for 10 min. The security light should be flashing. After 10 min. the security light should stop flashing the car is ready to learn the new key value. Turn the key off, wait 5 seconds, and then try to start the car.


I was highlty dissapointed in the lack of information available on this problem since it seems to be a very common issue with Grand Am and other GM products. I will continue to monitor this question to assits further if you have additional questions. Hopefully I can save some people some money, there is no need to go to a dealership to get this problem fixed. It is a very easy fix, if you take your time. Once I got the parts, I had the car running 30 minutes later.
Good luck!
 
thanks for all the info! :bow: Forwaded it all too him, hope he figures it out :doah:
 
I was told by a mechanic friend that you dont want a bunch of chit hanging from the ignition in those cars, as that can cause issues with the ignition switch/lock cylinder
 
was just about to update this! Turns out it was just a bad cut key. Took it back to the local place, re cut it, golden!
 
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