About Van Expertise I have been maintaining a fleet of approximately 55 light, medium and heavy vehicles for over 20 years. Most are 4X4 pickups and off road fire fighting trucks. Some medium duty trucks. Some military light trucks.
I can answer most questions concerning 4X4 engine, drive line, suspension, electrical, and fuel, both diesel and gasoline. Ford, GM, and Dodge, old and new, but prefferably not newer than 99.
Question Hi
I have a 2000 Malibu. 2 month ago, I mistakenly turned off the car and pulled the key out with the transimission is still on "D". When I tried to turn on the car again, the key wouldn't turn. I had to tow it to dealership and replaced both ignition switch and lock cylinder.
It was quite wired because I did the same mistake on my previous 95 Camaro a bunch of times. The key couldn't be pulled out at all, and it will never die like this.
Anyway, I spent 500 bucks with the problem fixed. Today, I just made the same mistake, however, I didn't pull the key out due to the previous experience. When I tried to start the car, it became really difficult. I had to try a few times to turn the key. But it still worked. But, in the evening, it dead again. Same as the last time. It's really upset. Is the ignition of Malibu made of gold? I am wondering if it is possible that only one of the parts is broken, or just both of them need to be replaced again. I think this time is different from last time, since I didn't pull out key which I think is the critical to damages. Thanks in advance!
Answer Hello Zheng,
I would say the ignition switch down under the dash, on top of the steering column, is either loose, or out of adjustment. It is connected to the lock cylinder by a rod, and should prevent the lock cylinder from turning to a position where the key can come out. It should require the shift to be in park before the key can be removed.
If it has a floor shift, there is an interlock that is supposed to do the same thing.
As for dead, either the ignition is staying on, or the battery isn't dead, but the neutral switch is showing the car to be in gear, and not allowing power to go to the starter.
If the headlights work bright, that would be what I would suspect.
If the headlights don't work bright, and the battery is actually dead, then I would suspect the ignition switch is staying in run, or accessories. In either position, the radio would work.
