# Ignition switch on Pontiac Grand Am **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [October 28, 2008, 2:26am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-switch-on-pontiac-grand-am/21320 "2008-10-28T02:26:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ferball44](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/73ab20/32.png) [@ferball44](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ferball44)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2008, 2:26am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-switch-on-pontiac-grand-am/21320/1 "2008-10-28T02:26:27Z")
I have a 1995 Grand Am and I believe the ignition switch is bad. I don’t have alot of money for a new one and so was looking into getting one at a junk yard. I’m having trouble finding one nearby so I was wondering if it could be interchangeable with the other car models listed on my Haynes book. Does anyone know? ---
**Author:** ![hellokit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6a8cbe/32.png) [@hellokit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hellokit)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2008, 3:32am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-switch-on-pontiac-grand-am/21320/2 "2008-10-28T03:32:53Z")
A new ignition switch (the part with the wires) is about $50. The salvage yard people have a catalog which lists all the models which have the same ignition switch. Just ask. Instructions for changing a ignition switch: [http://www.autozone.com/shopping/repairGuide.htm?pageId=0900c152800a9537](http://www.autozone.com/shopping/repairGuide.htm?pageId=0900c152800a9537) ---
**Author:** ![mcparadise](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mcparadise/32/32_2.png) [@mcparadise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcparadise)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2008, 12:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-switch-on-pontiac-grand-am/21320/3 "2008-10-28T12:35:13Z")
The odds of getting a switch with a matching key from a junk yard are slim, in my opinion. Make sure it’s the switch before you replace it. ---
**Author:** ![BustedKnuckles](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bustedknuckles/32/25_2.png) [@BustedKnuckles](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BustedKnuckles)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2008, 2:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-switch-on-pontiac-grand-am/21320/4 "2008-10-28T14:30:23Z")
On these GMs and a lot of other makes, the ignition switch assembly is separate from the key cylinder. You can replace the switch and keep the key cylinder. ---
**Author:** ![hellokit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6a8cbe/32.png) [@hellokit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hellokit)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2008, 7:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-switch-on-pontiac-grand-am/21320/5 "2008-10-28T19:15:53Z")
You’re right, Busted Knuckles. That’s why I said, “…the part with the wires.” And, the link leads to instructions and a picture. NO new key needed, when just replacing the ignition switch, ferball… ---
**Author:** ![BustedKnuckles](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bustedknuckles/32/25_2.png) [@BustedKnuckles](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BustedKnuckles)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2008, 2:32am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-switch-on-pontiac-grand-am/21320/6 "2008-10-29T02:32:48Z")
Hey. Calm down. I was replying to mcparadise. Wow, thin skin. Is there a rash of tender feelings around here? ---
**Author:** ![hellokit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6a8cbe/32.png) [@hellokit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hellokit)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2008, 11:21am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-switch-on-pontiac-grand-am/21320/7 "2008-10-29T11:21:37Z")
And, I was replying to the OP to clarify that the ignition switch has more than one part (it has two; the lock cylinder, and the switch (the part with the wires attached)). ---
**Author:** ![ferball44](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/73ab20/32.png) [@ferball44](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ferball44)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2008, 4:47am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-switch-on-pontiac-grand-am/21320/8 "2008-11-01T04:47:11Z")
Thanks for the replies. I’m wondering if anyone can help me figure out if it’s the ignition switch or not. When it started acting up, I tried to start the car and nothing happened so I took the key out of the ignition, then the car tried to start without the key. I had to put the key back in and start the car to get it to stop. Later that night, it started with no problem. The next time I tried to start the car, it wouldn’t start. Sometimes I hear a click and sometimes I don’t and I had the starter replaced. I also tried jump starting it and that didn’t work so I doubt it’s the battery or alternator. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.