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Farm pickup ignition switch/doesn't want to turn 2008 Chev

A

andy r

Member
My 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1/2 ton has an ignition switch that sometimes doesn't want to turn to start. After you fiddle with it for a while it will finally give in and let you turn it to accessory, ignition and then to crank. It is not like I am forcing it - just trying quick back and forth movements of the key and it finally goes. If you turn the engine off and leave it in the accessory position it will allow you to turn the switch to ignition and start easily. Problem only occurs when you turn it completely off as if you were going to remove the keys. I didn't know if there was some adjustment pertaining to anti-thief or anti-accidental shift/movement that would help. I know there are some General Motors mechanics out there that will know what is going on. Thanks.
 
That's a common problem. The ignition switch in the steering column is worn. You'll have to remove the lower plastic trim behind the steering wheel to access the switch. It requires torx bits to remove.
 
Does turning the steering wheel as you turn ignition help?
It's not the fix, just helps to get by longer...
 
90% of the time it is a worn key. Take it to a lock Smith and get a corrected key. The worn key will not let the pins align at the shear point. But if you have been doing this for awhile you might have trashed your ignition. Now the big question is, is this a transponder key? A locksmith can get you a Strattec origonal and key it the same for not much more then a cheap Chinese made one that will leave you walking.
 
I've had that on two trucks, do you have a spare key hidden away that hasn't been used much? Try the unworn spare it should work fine.
 
also, do you have a key ring with many keys on it? the weight will wear out the lock cylinder and wear down the key also. i have one key for my truck that goes in the ignition, and a spare on my main key ring in my pocket.
 
I agree. Worn key and/or cylinder.

The back of the key on my old '88 Chevy was worn right into the first groove. New key would NOT start the truck because the cylinder was worn to match.

Had a similar issue with my '03 Chevy later on. The one key I had used to start it for ~200,000 miles was the only one that would work in the lock cylinder. The new spare would not turn.
 
Kyle gave the correct solution ...... replace the ignition switch. I replaced one this past winter on my Jeep, did a lot of Google searches for instructions and videos, there are lots out there but you have to search and search. I bought a replacement switch from Rock Auto that worked perfect, and of course a new key since the old one is now useless for starting but still is used for the doors, at least on my Jeep.
 
Most likely the lock cylinder, but could be the ignition switch.

When it acts up, if the action feels springy, it's the switch.

If it feels solid, it's the lock cylinder.
 
Had that happen to our Geo Tracker. I stopped in to a Chevy dealer and had them make a new key and have not have any problem since. All they needed was the Vin number and they made a new key for it with some sort of computer program they have. I keep the old key on my key ring so when I stop for gas I did not have to use the ignition key
 
Hi, my 2003 Toyota Tacoma had that problem too.
My wife's key worked so I got a copy of her key made. Problem solved. Ed Will Oliver BC
 
Is it a two sided key? Try removeing key, rotate it 180 degrees, reinsert and see if it works any better. I have two sets of keys that work that way on my two cars (GM).
 
Hi, my 2003 Toyota Tacoma had that problem too.
My wife's key worked so I got a copy of her key made. Problem solved. Ed Will Oliver BC
 
Heard on the radio a few days ago that there is some big problem with Ign. Switches and a recal on GM products. Or is this just more of the same?
 
Very common for a key ring with several keys dangling. The weight pulling down causes wear on lock pins and finally does not want to turn. the spare key is probably less worn. ?
 
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