starting problems please help

i put the key in and it is somewhat hard to get it to unlock. play back n forth with steering wheel and it will turn. when i turn the key all the way to start it will start right up, when i let go of the key it rotates back to its normal on position and the engine stops running. if i slowly let the key start to come back the starter disengages and the engine will continue to run as long as i hold the key in somewhat of a middle position, as soon as i let it go it will stop running. it can be difficult to remove the key, you have to play with steering wheel back n forth to remove it. so does anyone have any ideas? do you think it could be the ignition switch or issues with the security system. 96 riviera supercharged. only 77000 miles normal daily driver but have not used it for a couple of days before problem started. if anyone has any ideas please let me know. any help is appreciated!!!!

Sounds like the lock bolt is sticking, or the its hanging up on the lock plate. Or the Ignition Lock Actuator could be acting up. The stalling when putting the key back to the Run position sounds like Ignition Switch, but the "hanging up" on the Steering Wheel Lock Plate makes me lean towards the Ignition Cylinder/Actuator. Or, the Ignition Switch is broken internally causing this entire issue....time to start taking the column apart to inspect

Great info once again Scott!

that is what i started doing but ran out of daylight. some other info is that when the switch is in the on position there is no power to the radio the windows or environmental, but they start to come on as i let the key back slowly. I'll work on it more tomorrow. thanks for the info.

lpat wrote:

that is what i started doing but ran out of daylight. some other info is that when the switch is in the on position there is no power to the radio the windows or environmental, but they start to come on as i let the key back slowly. I'll work on it more tomorrow. thanks for the info.

Oh sure....NOW you tell me lol. Yeah, sounds like the contacts in the Ignition Switch are messed up. When you take it apart some more, make sure you re-lube the Ignition Cylinder contacts inside the Actuator.
If you pull the Ignition Switch totally off the column, turn the key and make sure the lock bolt and what not are working properly, As you may have 2 concerns. I doubt this is the case, but you're gonna have the column ripped apart anyway.....

sounds like you need to replace the ignition switch *and* lock. There is a write up on this site how to do it. Best way is get factory parts from dealer (they are not cheap) and install them yourself (the install labor would be a couple hundred bucks at $90/hour...)

Second best is to get good used parts from any competent recycling yard.

third best is to have a mechanic 'fix it' - RIv has a relatively common Saginaw column, anyone who'se torn down/reassembled one or more won't find it daunting.

Albertj

And while you're in there, make sure the hinge-pins for your tilt function aren't backing out or loose!

Good idea,those knuckles always seem to get sloppy.I had a Bonneville you could move the wheel up,down,sideways,verry bad.lol

flyineagle96 wrote:

Good idea,those knuckles always seem to get sloppy.I had a Bonneville you could move the wheel up,down,sideways,verry bad.lol

Absotively! If you don't repair a pin as soon as it comes out, the sideways torque will bust the ear off the opposite side...

sorry about no update, i had to go out of town for work and i'm just getting back i'll let you know what happens.