Inserted key into my formerly reliable 2002 Z28 with 148k miles.
The key freely turned and gave no signs of electricity.. battery checked out.. figured it may be the ignition cylinder.. swapped out. New key.. connected battery.. hear my turn signals.. can see security light on dash. Have not replaced the steering wheel or airbag yet.
Tried to turn it over and still the ignition feels like it turns too freely.. no sign of it wanting to start.. the starter does not make any sound.. does not turn over.. I dont even see the dash lights all come on.. Normally when you insert the key all the dash lights will come on.. no so here..


Ideas?

 

Lower the column down and see if the rod at the ignition switch is moving properly, if yes, make sure power at ignition switch is there, if yes, replace ignition switch

 

Ignition switch = Cylinder.. already replaced..

 

The Ignition Switch and the Ignition Cylinder are 2 different components.

 

This is Shoebox's writeup on the ignition switch. Its for 93-97 but I suspect the newer models are similar. In any case, it's interesting reading and may help you understand the components involved.

4th Gen F-body Ignition Switch Replacement

 

I've had the plastic innards of an ignition switch crack and fail on me once. As mentioned above, drop the column, and inspect the rod from the ignition cylinder flat gear to the switch, then the switch itself. 90% of this rides on the outside of the column where the are no covers, and will be very easy to see in action once the column is dropped

 

Ok.. thanks for the info.. Will start checking this out now.. updating soon..