How to Bypass Chevy Ignition Switch – A Complete Guide for 2023

You must know how to bypass the Chevy ignition switch. The ignition switch is the most important part of your car. It is more than just an ignition, as it is a critical component of every single vehicle on the road today. But, it is being replaced by companies across the nation, even if you do not think your car needs one.

No engine, no car — that is how important the ignition switch is. But due to environmental factors or normal wear and tear, one of the most common causes of ignition switch failure is neglect.

If you are not replacing your ignition switches regularly, and not paying attention to any unusual sounds coming from your engine, it could result in costly repairs or even a dangerous situation.

In this article, we will be sharing easy DIY methods on how to bypass Chevy ignition switches and other necessary ignition solutions.

What is the ignition switch?

The gas ignition switch comprises several individual and interdependent parts. The ignition lock cylinder, the steering column (which houses the lock cylinder), the ignition switch, and the wiring that connects them make up the entire assembly. Assemblies are responsible for starting your vehicle and powering the specific areas of your car.

The ignition switch is the most crucial part of a vehicle’s ignition system. It is responsible for maintaining the connection between the key and the car to deliver power. Without it, your engine will not be able to start — no matter how well you charge your battery or how new its parts are.

 

How does the car ignition switch work

Ignition systems are used to initiate combustion in internal combustion engines. Ignition systems ignite the air-fuel mixture in an engine cylinder through electrochemical means. Most cars use an ignition system known as CDI (Capacitor Displacement Ignition). CDI is well-known for its reliability and simplicity.

The key does not look exactly like a house key, but it can have a lot of the same markings. Your car will know when you insert that key into the ignition, thanks to a built-in chip on the key. The chip communicates with the car’s computer, which recognizes that you are the person who should be allowed to drive it.

It is called the keyless ignition – Keyless entry remotes have been around for years now, but they are slowly taking over from traditional keys — why bother with a key when a remote can start your car for you?

Bypassing an ignition switch by yourself

If your car will not start, but you are sure it is not a problem with the ignition switch, these are the steps to take to bypass this and get the car running again. All you need are the right tools and a little know-how, and you will be able to get back on the road with no problems.

• Hotwiring
• Drill and Screwdriver
• Jumper Links
• Fixing the start switch: Since the start switch is a vital piece of your vehicle’s ignition system, it requires attention. When you experience a faulty start switch, hotwiring, jumpstarting, and drilling can be some of the ways to repair the problem.

Chevy ignition switch problems

Formerly, some cars were equipped with two separate switches, one for turning on the lights and another for starting the engine. Today, most cars use a tumbler switch to start the engine.

The tumbler switch has a lever with two positions (forward and backward). In the forward position, the car’s electrical system is engaged, and in the backward position, the electrical system is disengaged — and the vehicle will not start.

The problem with the ignition switches in certain Chevy trucks manufactured between 2004 and 2007 is that they can shut down when you try to turn the key in the “Start” position.

If the power steering or airbag deployment switch is faulty, the car can enter a rollover state or the airbag can deploy against the driver or passenger.

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Diffference between a modern car and an older car ignition switch

01. Conventional Switch

These are used on older vehicles and are called Conventional ignition systems. The name does not do them justice, though — they are pretty complicated. They use a distributor, individual coils, and multiple spark plugs. Parts are easily available, but the ignition is more of a DIY repair. Service intervals were from 5,000 to 10,000 miles.

02. Electronic Switch

Electronic ignition is a new standard in engine ignition systems that replaces points, a mechanical and fragile counter-electromotive force system used for over 100 years.

The electronic system; uses the combination of the distributor and ignition coil to create a spark when fuel is injected into the combustion chamber. This technology provides a more efficient spark and eliminates the need for an oxygen sensor in the exhaust stream.

03. Distributorless Switch

The Spark-Plug Ignition System, as it is more popularly known, consists of one or more spark plug wires and one or more coils.

Usually, they replace the coils with electronic modules connected to the car’s computer. The computer will then calculate when to fire the ignition coil.

This creates a high voltage across the spark plug gap. With the introduction of high-tech engine ignition, more drivers can enjoy more benefits, such as efficient fuel use, better overall performance, and reduced maintenance costs. Some are even switching to the new technology, due to its advantage in driving experience and performance.

 Materials needed to bypass the ignition switch

To bypass the ignition switch to start your car, you need a special set of tools. Without them, you are going to be stuck. Without them, you can not get your key or make a new one — and that is not good!

You will need the following tools to bypass an ignition switch:

• T-handle for simultaneously turning Slim and smooth handle when using Wrench One hand on the handle, one hand to get it done with ease!
• Allen wrench set
• Screwdriver Super slim and lightweight, easy to hold, and durable.
• Pliers
• Tapes 

DIY Guide for How to Bypass Chevy Ignition Switch

  

STEP 1

First, find the bundle of wires that go into your ignition switch. There are at least three wires, but most cars will have more. The most important ones for this tutorial are terminal 30 (+ 12 V from the battery at all times), terminal 87a (the start signal to the ECU), and terminal 86 (ground).

The ignition switch to the car supplies 12V to terminal 15 (+12 V) which powers the engine and most car accessories. Some cars have additional wires for accessories like power windows, but most modern models use one wire to power all of the car’s accessories.

STEP 2

Before we can start matching wires, we need to test them out using a continuity tester tool. Put the tip of the tester on the end of the wire and press down firmly. If there is a connection, you will get an audible beep. Repeat this for each wire until you have located the right one.

STEP 3

Then, we can strip off the insulation and connect it to our new tail light assembly. If your car has a proper charging system, connect the alternator wire at the terminal, in front of the terminal block. The fused end of wire #30 should go to wire #15, but do not use crimp connectors.

STEP 4

Set up a bench test. Connect your battery charger (or any other DC power source) directly to your battery.

STEP 5

Before we can start matching wires, we need to test them out. To do this, use a continuity tester tool. Put the tip of the tester on the end of the wire and press down firmly. If there is a connection, you will get an audible beep. Repeat this for each wire until you have located the right one. Then, we can strip off the insulation and connect it to our new tail light assembly.

Simply put, connect the wire to the third terminal to enable the motor to start, and then it has to be disconnected again once the car is running. The third terminal is the ignition coil’s power source.

These days, all new cars come equipped with an electronic immobilizer, also called a keyless entry.

To start the car, insert a valid electronic key into the ignition. If you have an older car not equipped with such a system, you can do this procedure anyway — but you have to have a separate printed key.

Do not try to drive the car without unlocking the steering wheel. If you do this, you will probably cause an accident because you will find it hard to steer the vehicle. You can remove a lock by turning the key once you put it into the ignition and then unlocking the steering wheel.

Steps for Installing puss-button ignition

1. It is essential to unhook the negative battery terminal (Safety issue).
2. Remove the steering column for easy access to the ignition cables and wiring.
3. Ensure to check and test the ignition harness voltage using a multimeter.
4. Mark and remove the insulation wires in the ignition harness needed for your work(Use wire stripper and wiring diagram).
5. Locate and connect the wires from the starter kit to the ignition wires (Use Kit instruction manual).
6. Connect the kit ring transponder to the brake switch wires to complete the connections.
7. Connect both of the systems to the transponder.
8. Put back your steering column cover and wires to their assigned place, and you are ready to go!

Before covering, check the ignition systems to ensure that they are working as intended. You also need a convenient location to place the start ignition button. It all depends on preference; the center of the console, under the dashboard, or the glove compartment.

Steps for Disabling the Ignition Security

1. Unhook negative terminal cable from battery.
2. Remove the bezel and radio; apply the parking brake, unscrew the bolts to mount the radio, and pull the radio out without disconnecting from the power connector.
3. There is a white, black, and yellow wire connected to a harness near the ignition switch(connected the ignition switch); cut the yellow wire so that the side connected to the bundle will be longer.
4. Strip the yellow wire(the longer side connected to the bundle), and strip the black wire without cutting it in half.
5. Connect a resistor lead to the exposed part of the black wire, and connect the other end to the yellow wire(secure the wire with a solder). Ensure all the wires are secure
6. Turn the battery back on(reconnect), start the vehicle with the ignition key, wait for the security light to flash, turn the key to ON for 10 minutes until the security light goes off, turn the key OFF for 5 seconds there about, then restart the vehicle(security light should be off by now).
7. Disconnect the batter once again, cover all the exposed wires and place the wires back into the cavity.
8. Put the radio back in its place and reattach the bezel.
9. Reconnect the car battery, and that’s it.

The average cost for replacing an ignition switch

The price for replacing an ignition switch differs. It depends on which components need replacement and the labor cost. Depending on the location and the shop, the average cost for replacing an ignition switch is $130-$270. With $50-$210 for parts and $60 -$95 for an hour of labor.

The price might also depend on the vehicle type and model. The ignition switch may also have to be programmed; this depends on the manufacturer’s security system. It may result in an additional hour of labor and the general cost.

Replacing an ignition switch can be as easy as replacing an old part for a time, and sometimes you can fix it yourself(use the steps to guide you). It will help you save money. But there are some vehicles with complex systems, which in such cases leave the problem to a professional.

FAQs about How to Bypass Chevy Ignition Switch

01. WHEN DO YOU NEED TO GET AN IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT

An ignition switch is (a system) responsible for starting a vehicle and providing power to parts, like accessories. However, if there is a fault with the system powered by the ignition switch or an issue starting your vehicle, it can be removed, and another can replace it.

02. DO I NEED TO REMOVE MY BATTERY TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH

You only need to remove the battery’s negative cable from the terminal.

03. WHAT ARE THE OTHER PART OF AN IGNITION

There are secondary parts; battery, ignition key, ignition coil, spark plug & wires. Primary includes; the distributor module and electronic control module.

04. HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU HAVE A BAD IGNITION SWITCH

You know you have a bad ignition switch when;

You have a problem starting your car.

There is an issue when you start the car and the car stalls.

When the dashboard lights keep flickering

When the car makes no noise when you start, it can be a bad ignition switch.

05. WHAT IS AN IGNITION CYLINDER

It is the mechanical part where the ignition key is inserted to start the vehicle. It is housed inside the ignition switch.

06. DO YOU NEED TO REPLACE THE KEY WHEN YOU REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH

You can rebuild your switch to use your old key. You can purchase a new one that comes with a new key.

07. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO REPLACE AN IGNITION SWITCH

It depends on the car and the system. The replacement can take about 20 minutes if all the vital parts have been made available.

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Verdict

This article is all about the ignition switch, including an explanation of how it works, how to diagnose problems with it, and what to do if you run into issues. We hope that our efforts will help car owners — even those who think they’re already familiar with the ignition switch — to keep their vehicles in working order.