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Inserting key into ignition = key chime accessory position = key chime no lights on dash nothing key on position = vehicle cranks up and runs!
Checked all fuses, wiring, and relays. I went ahead and replaced Ignition switch itself (not key cylinder but the switch).
The bigger problem with this is while the vehicle is running, the starter will engage by itself! After about 3-4mins of idling. (loud grinding noise) so vehicle has to be shut off to prevent damaging starter/wiring.
obviously its an electrical problem im just not sure where.
Anyone who helps me figure this one out gets $50 cashapp! lol.
Have you checked the fuse box itself? Sounds like something is energizing the (should be purple) wire going to the solenoid. See if you can unhook the fuse box so you can look at the wires from the bottom.
Maybe not an electrical problem. There are many mechanicals before the switch actuates. The cylinder turns a cam, which turns a gear, which actuates a linear rack, which actuates a rod that runs down the steering column, which contacts the actual ignition switch mounted to the base of the steering column...
How long have you had the car? Did this just start happening?
Have you checked the fuse box itself? Sounds like something is energizing the (should be purple) wire going to the solenoid. See if you can unhook the fuse box so you can look at the wires from the bottom.
yes I check every fuse/ relay. No sign of damage or burning. Voltages are all correct. I thought it would be the actual ignition switch on the column but problem still persist.
yes something is causing the solenoid wire at the starter to receive power when it shouldn’t. I’m guessing it’s a problem in the ignition side of the electrical system.
Maybe not an electrical problem. There are many mechanicals before the switch actuates. The cylinder turns a cam, which turns a gear, which actuates a linear rack, which actuates a rod that runs down the steering column, which contacts the actual ignition switch mounted to the base of the steering column...
How long have you had the car? Did this just start happening?
i bought it not running. Put a fresh battery/ alternator and starter in it. Cranked up but I noticed the issue with the ignition switch immediately. Dash intermittently comes on and off whenever I put key to accessory or key on engine off position (then cranks up). I replaced that ignition switch on the column and didn’t notice anything wrong on there. The switch points feel better between each key position.
yes I check every fuse/ relay. No sign of damage or burning. Voltages are all correct. I thought it would be the actual ignition switch on the column but problem still persist.
yes something is causing the solenoid wire at the starter to receive power when it shouldn’t. I’m guessing it’s a problem in the ignition side of the electrical system.
Reread my post, I wasn't talking about the fuse/relays, I was talking about the actual wires that connect on the underside of the fuse box. I fought what I thought was bad relay(s) on a Silverado and found a wire connection on the fuse box overheated and melted the wire to another causing it to stop working for seemingly no reason.
OK.. Do you know any more of the story? Was it in an accident?
Originally Posted by RBD_305
I replaced that ignition switch on the column and didn’t notice anything wrong on there.
What part did you use? Are you sure the cylinder is engaging the cross shaft correctly? Does your steering column lock work properly? If so and if so and if you have a stock cylinder, then it's on to the ignition sector and sector drive gear - see Jazzman, page 21 and go from there. http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...ck_Rebuild.pdf
OK.. Do you know any more of the story? Was it in an accident?
What part did you use? Are you sure the cylinder is engaging the cross shaft correctly? Does your steering column lock work properly? If so and if so and if you have a stock cylinder, then it's on to the ignition sector and sector drive gear - see Jazzman, page 21 and go from there. http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...ck_Rebuild.pdf
no accidents. It’s not a mechanical problem definitely electrical. If I start the car up and remove the starter relay. It won’t engage randomly while the car is running. I believe what the guy above mentioned is correct I just need to find the bad wires touching that starter circuit.
Reread my post, I wasn't talking about the fuse/relays, I was talking about the actual wires that connect on the underside of the fuse box. I fought what I thought was bad relay(s) on a Silverado and found a wire connection on the fuse box overheated and melted the wire to another causing it to stop working for seemingly no reason.
understood! I will look further into this. I just need to find a wiring diagram for the starter circuit so I can trace them and see what’s causing it to power up while running
Try removing the starter relay from the underhood fuse block, then turn the ignition switch to the "on" position. This should eliminate the ignition switch from energizing the starter motor. If the starter still engages, check the solenoid on the starter for being stuck or the purple wire coming into contact with the positive battery cable.
Also, while you have the relay removed, check for voltage at the relay pin 85? Pin 85 is the power supply to energize the relay coil and it should not have 12V unless the key is in the "start" position. If you have 12V there with the key in "on" position, the problem should be in the ignition switch contacts or as mentioned above, with wires damaged at the fuse block.
Last edited by peterpar; Apr 24, 2020 at 11:12 AM.
Try removing the starter relay from the underhood fuse block, then turn the ignition switch to the "on" position. This should eliminate the ignition switch from energizing the starter motor. If the starter still engages, check the solenoid on the starter for being stuck or the purple wire coming into contact with the positive battery cable.
Also, while you have the relay removed, check for voltage at the relay pin 85? Pin 85 is the power supply to energize the relay coil and it should not have 12V unless the key is in the "start" position. If you have 12V there with the key in "on" position, the problem should be in the ignition switch contacts or as mentioned above, with wires damaged at the fuse block.
Thank you for the detailed response! Heres a quick update for everyone.
So the problem is NOT intermittent. Whats happening is in Key On Position the starter is receiving power constantly! Even while the engine is running the starter is engaged , supplied voltage and still spinning on the flywheel while engine is running. What i was hearing was the starter being over spun and grinding itself on the flywheel. I turned the car off immediately when I heard it.I check all the fuse boxes and found the cig lighter fuse burned a bit behind the fuse box. It leads me to believe something got too hot and burned a wire laying next to one of the ignition starter wires. And when key gets put to on position that burned wire is touching the signal wire and applying power to it!
Now the next step is to trace this bad wire and try to make a repair. I think im going to end up pulling the dash and tracing it down.
Try removing the starter relay from the underhood fuse block, then turn the ignition switch to the "on" position. This should eliminate the ignition switch from energizing the starter motor. If the starter still engages, check the solenoid on the starter for being stuck or the purple wire coming into contact with the positive battery cable.
If the purple wire was contacting the positive battery terminal it would turn the starter over all time key or no key in the ignition, Stuck solenoid would also do the same thing because as long as the battery has power it will spin the starter until the battery is dead.
If the purple wire was contacting the positive battery terminal it would turn the starter over all time key or no key in the ignition, Stuck solenoid would also do the same thing because as long as the battery has power it will spin the starter until the battery is dead.
Understood, i dont think its contacting a positive battery terminal wire but its contacting a wire that receives battery power when ignition is in on position. I hope this makes sense!
If the purple wire was contacting the positive battery terminal it would turn the starter over all time key or no key in the ignition, Stuck solenoid would also do the same thing because as long as the battery has power it will spin the starter until the battery is dead.
You are 100% right and I realized this later after I posted it, but haven't been back online until now to correct it.
understood! I will look further into this. I just need to find a wiring diagram for the starter circuit so I can trace them and see what’s causing it to power up while running
Register on AutoZone.com and they are all free to you in the repair section.
Understood, i dont think its contacting a positive battery terminal wire but its contacting a wire that receives battery power when ignition is in on position. I hope this makes sense!
I understand what you meant, I was replying to peterpar.
By chance does it have a remote start system installed or signs of having one in the past?
Small update to the problem. Somehow the cig lighter wire burned up pretty good. The entire wire from the fuse to the cig lighter was melted and burnt. It also heated up some other wires and melted the plastic off them as you can see. I think this is what caused my problem. One of these wires is hot (12v) with ignition is key on position and it’s powering the starter wire.
Hahaha! Yes i agree, well the previous owner was a smoker. So he used the cig lighter alot. I think what happened was it had a short somewhere and he just jumped the fuse outlet for the circuit instead of running a fuse! Oh well, I'll be repairing most of the harness anyway and deleting what I dont need.
I'd like to also say i appreciate everyones efforts to helping me find the problem! Thanks.
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2002 ws6 cranks in key on! 
