2005 GTO Ignition/security problem

Asked by mikew211 Sep 29, 2010 at 04:22 PM about the 2005 Pontiac GTO Coupe

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Hey folks. I have a 2005 GTO. Lately what has been happening is two things:
1) Turn the key & 'CLICK'.....does not turnover. All lights are on, etc. Just put a new Optima battery. Starter? maybe. But it only does this infrequently & when it does act up, if you keep turning the key, eventually it turns over & starts.
2) While driving the security light will come on (the light that has a pic of the car & pad lock intertwined). Car keeps running & if you hit a bump, it will either flicker or just go out.

Could both problems be related? And does anyone have any ideas what could be happening or what I should do?

Thanks for any help....I really appreciate it!

15 Answers

17,065

key fob possibly has something wrong with it?

3 people found this helpful.
75

The second problem leads me to think it's a problem with your key, like the bump could be causing a connection inside your key to break and then reconnect. The first problem would then fit because sometimes while you're turning your key it's hitting the connection and sometimes not.

3 people found this helpful.
215

it could be your ignition switch there is a new ignition switch old #92172018 new #92234035 like 38.00

2 people found this helpful.
100

I had a similar problem. Was a,wire behind the glove box rubbing due to vibrations. An electrical shop found and fixed for 108.00. :)

4 people found this helpful.
90

I fixed this 2 years ago when I had the EXACT same problem. Here was the fix: The problem is actually an issue with the "autolock" security feature from the poorly designed GMC/Pontiac system. It is a system where the metal nipple on your key fob and the actual key are connected electrically, creating an electric circuit when you contact them to the ignition ring and keyhole. The circuit in your key fob creates 180-200 ohms of electrical resistance, and ANYTHING to take it out of a strict set of electric-resist parameters will throw the dreaded and god-awfully annoying Autolock system out of wack. The autolock will think your car is being stolen by someone who broke your ignition lock and is using a screwdriver to start the engine, which of course isn't the case. To solve this, I had a car audio tech disconnect the key's autolock circuit entirely (inside the steering column, not the key), and solder/insert a tiny resistor into the security circuit instead, with 180-200 ohms (or whatever your finnicky security system requires) to fool your car into thinking the key is properly connected with the electric resistor "autolock" security function. Problem solved, haven't had an issue since.

9 people found this helpful.
20

I had a sum what similar issue and I finally found I had a chafed wire in the steering column that intermittently shorted out

20

It drove me out of my mind for a month until I whipped out the multimeter and started troubleshooting

2 people found this helpful.
10

That nub on the keyfob is an electrical conductor, that connects with the security ring around the key switch on the steering column. My bet is that whey you hit a bump or something, either a wire the security ring is attached to connects or disconnects, or the keyfob makes connection again with the security ring, and the light turns on or goes off. There is some really interesting advice above though!

1 people found this helpful.
10

I have been reading about this, because i had a somewhat similar issue, and you have to lock and unlock the doors, and that seems to disable the system. I had tape around the key fob holding my aftermarket buttons in, and that seemed to make a bad connection with the security ring.

10

I am having the same problem with my 04 Gto this is the third time. I had to take it to the dealer ship and come to find out it was the ignition swich this is the third one i had to replace.if you ask me it must be a recall on those swiches

1 people found this helpful.
20

Around the keyhole is a chrome beauty ring. If it has come off that is your issue as there is a coiled spring behind it that transmits signal from car to fob and vice sa versa. Hope that helps. I had the same problem

2 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

GTO

Looking for a Used GTO in your area?

CarGurus has 5 nationwide GTO listings and the tools to find you a great deal.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Rucko
    Reputation
    880
  • #2
    taver91
    Reputation
    820
  • #3
    Norm Davis
    Reputation
    800
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Corvette
29 Great Deals out of 1,060 listings starting at $15,871
Used Ford Mustang
65 Great Deals out of 1,259 listings starting at $4,995
Used Dodge Charger
38 Great Deals out of 645 listings starting at $4,888
Used Chrysler 300
34 Great Deals out of 516 listings starting at $4,999
Used Ford F-150
321 Great Deals out of 14,968 listings starting at $1,712
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
202 Great Deals out of 5,975 listings starting at $2,975
Used BMW 3 Series
71 Great Deals out of 1,176 listings starting at $1,995
Used Honda Civic
180 Great Deals out of 3,705 listings starting at $1,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.