Chevy Tahoe ignition switch

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larryc

larryc

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Joined
Oct 2, 2009
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Location
Mableton, GA (Near Atlanta)
My wife's 2003 Chevy Tahoe has been having ignition switch problems.
Sometimes when trying to start the vehicle, the ignition key will not turn.
Jiggling the transmission lever or stepping on the brake pedal doesn't help.
This has happened in the past but today it happened with all three keys (her key, my key and a spare key). It's now sitting in the Kroger parking lot.
I know there has been a ignition recall on some of these models but I can't find anything related to this problem.
Anybody have any suggestions?
 
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This happens sometimes to my wife's Toyota. She has to rock the steering wheel back and forth before the key will turn.

Jim
 
Larry, GM has just recently issued recalls for many of their vehicles. You should check with a dealership to see if your Tahoe is covered under this recall. The basis for the recall is the ignition systems, you've nothing lose in inquiring into this.
Len
 
I have had a few friends replace their ignition switches. The culprit - was a heavy setoff keys and other garbage on the key ring. Apparently the weight of all the junk on the key chain was enough, over time, to mess up the switch
 
This brings back some memories. I used to repair steering columns at Breedlove Automotive years ago. The internal moving parts need lubrication. If they dry out they will hang up. It's possible you need a new ignition switch but, could be as simple as tearing it down and, greasing the parts that need it. Not all places will tell you this. I don't recommend doing this yourself if, it's your first time. I confess, it took me quite a few tries to learn this process. Lots of parts in there :rolleyes:
 
lyonsacc said:
I have had a few friends replace their ignition switches. The culprit - was a heavy setoff keys and other garbage on the key ring. Apparently the weight of all the junk on the key chain was enough, over time, to mess up the switch
Click to expand...

Yep. This seems to be the culprit. SWMBO carries more keys than a jailer.
Had the lock worked on and new keys cut to code and it's working fine now.
 
If anyone in your family uses a keyring full of other trash or historical garbage, then plan on needing ignition switch repair/replacement. It is not a device for supporting weight!:wink:
 
Maybe to many keys is a problem, as I have heard many times before. But if it really is true then I blame the manufacturer because there is no way they can't know that a lot of people have a half pound of keys! I am one of the key people too. I have 3 cars, house, shop, work keys all together. It's just more convenient and harder to lose my keys. Typically I would not blame a manufacturer of anything for customers doing stupid things, but in this case there are so many people with bricks of keys and the ownership of a pile of keys is justified so I can only hold the manufacturer at fault for not making the switches more heavy duty.
 
workinforwood said:
Maybe to many keys is a problem, as I have heard many times before. But if it really is true then I blame the manufacturer because there is no way they can't know that a lot of people have a half pound of keys! I am one of the key people too. I have 3 cars, house, shop, work keys all together. It's just more convenient and harder to lose my keys. Typically I would not blame a manufacturer of anything for customers doing stupid things, but in this case there are so many people with bricks of keys and the ownership of a pile of keys is justified so I can only hold the manufacturer at fault for not making the switches more heavy duty.
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Maybe you said it in jest but with that way of thinking the car companys should make the cars out of rubber for all the stupid accidents that happen or maybe they should have a big yellow neon sign everytime a cell phone gets used while driving and the list can go on and on. Why did my rear view mirror fall off the glass??? Because all the junk you had wrapped around it. Car manufacturers fault though. Should use better glue!!!!

Its all good because soon all cars will have push button starts and all you have to have is the key in your pocket. Chevy has this now. It won't be long when all you have to do is sit in the car and tell it what to do. No keys, no hands, no feet. Just sit there on your cell phone and let the car drive you.:smile:
 
larryc said:
My wife's 2003 Chevy Tahoe has been having ignition switch problems.
Sometimes when trying to start the vehicle, the ignition key will not turn.
Jiggling the transmission lever or stepping on the brake pedal doesn't help.
This has happened in the past but today it happened with all three keys (her key, my key and a spare key). It's now sitting in the Kroger parking lot.
I know there has been a ignition recall on some of these models but I can't find anything related to this problem.
Anybody have any suggestions?
Click to expand...


Make sure your steering isn't in a bind. Try turning the steering wheel to relieve the tension from the steering wheel lock mechanism.
 
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