Ignition Mystery!!

**feet739** · 08-10-2008, 07:37 AM

I own a 2002 TransAm WS6 and I have the strangest problem with my ignition. When I turn the key sometimes the car won't start. All of the dash lights will come on but the car won't even try to turn over. Other times the car starts with no problems. It can't be the starter because the starter doesn't even turn when I have this issue. I took it to the dealership and they kept it all day driving it around and it didn't do it to them once. They tested the electrical system and found nothing. The extended warranty company won't pay for the fix unless the car is dead when it is brought in but if it is dead, I can't drive it in!?!?!

WTF! Can anybody give me an idea what the problem is. Randomly changing out parts is not the way I want to go. Other than this my car runs great!

**ls1camino** · 08-10-2008, 08:04 AM

Ignition Relay...$12 "fuse" at the local Autozone.

**feet739** · 08-10-2008, 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by ls1camino

Ignition Relay...$12 "fuse" at the local Autozone.

Where is the ignition relay fuse?? Thanks.

**TransAmFanatic** · 08-10-2008, 12:41 PM

it also might be the key, look at your key and see if its filed down, also check the chip on the key, if thats filed down to sometimes the chip wont make contact with the ignition switch and the car wont start. thats what mine did. i had my car towed to the dealership and they replaced the whole switch and gave me a new key for $400.

**ls1camino** · 08-10-2008, 12:43 PM

Originally Posted by feet739

Where is the ignition relay fuse?? Thanks.

It in the fuse box under the hood on the driver's side behind the headlights...lift up the cover and there is a diagram on the underside that shows you which ones are the ignition (IGN).

**LS1buckey** · 08-10-2008, 02:54 PM

I bet it's the "V.A.T.S" I had the same problem I just bypassed the whole thing no more issues.

**Wesman** · 08-10-2008, 03:11 PM

Ignition module.

My Dad's truck had the same exact problem. Look into that, the part is not usually very expensive, just the labor if you have it installed.

**feet739** · 08-10-2008, 05:29 PM

Originally Posted by ls1camino

Ignition Relay...$12 "fuse" at the local Autozone.

Thank's Ls1 Camino!! I found the fuse first,then started the car, every thing turned over just fine. Then as an experiment I took the fuse out just to see if the car would act the exact same way as it does when it wouldn't start.Also to see if the dash would light up the same...it did,and of course the car didn't start. So looking at the old fuse,it looks like a cube with 4 metal prongs that insert into the fuse box,and I noticed two of those prongs looked slightly scorched.So i put the new one in and it started perfectly,i will have to see if this was the problem after i drive it around for awhile,i feel that it is by the looks of the original fuse.I will let you all know

By the way what is V.A.T.S.?