'05 Sierra Key Ignition Issues

smrio · October 16, 2010

I got the GMC Sierra 1500, 2005 deal. The key ignition is weird. So I insert the key and I know there's a safety thang when you insert the key too much it doesnt work, the spring raises the insertion slot then everything is aligned. BUT when I turn the key to activate the ignition it seems the key cylinder doesnt turn. The key cylinder doesnt turn and I have to keep backing out the key, re-inserting the key and backing out the key every so Milimeter and who knows I could be out in the woods trying to get away from some bear clawing its way into this sardine can or dodging a mugger, but the key ignition won't do what its meant to.

My question is-

~when I replace this key ignition cylinder, will this new part work flawlessly without that stu..... safety feature that will eventually fail..???? Or am I gonna have to pull a Tony Stark and fix it myself ?

~I know the Key ignition wire probably needs to be replaced, maybe , but I'm gonna do it anyway, because the needyness that I run into owning this vehicle & it doesnt cost that much (I'm kind of worried that it costs so cheaply..)

If I may, Is this GMC 2005 1500 Sierra a good ride? Whats the over all perception besides this vortec engine?

I dont make alot of money if this is a high maintenance vehicle. So I would appreciate an honest answer, please. Any help is very welcome and I am looking forward to your thoughts. Thanx in advance, seriously.

Chris · October 16, 2010

the only thing to watch out for is a P0332 code that will throw a check engine light. its the aft knock sensor, there is a TSB out for it. other than the sensor, all i have had to do is normal maintenance: headlights, oil, filters, fluids, tires, things like that. it is a good built truck. i never had the igition switch issue on my 04

smrio · October 16, 2010

Thanx, I made the transition from a 97 nissan 4cyl. hardbody to this full size deal. I like the truck an-all, but the speedometer failed, the RPM needle thing failed next and now the gas gauges are acting up alittle bit. Then there's the Key ignition problem.

So I'm sizing up these two components as MY NEXT REPAIR PROJECTS, but I just Hope the quality of the new parts I put in will last a long time.

My old nissan had 210,000k and the key ignition still worked flawlessly, the speedometer was just fine, the engine kept going. I feel a little bit of regret, but I'll do my best to keep this truck up.

smrio · October 16, 2010

Oh yea I forgot to mention, about two weeks ago I tried to start the truck. I turned the key and nothing happened. When I turned the key I heard no kick in the starter, I hear absolutely nothing but there was power in the headlights, cabin, I put in a good battery early this year. After realizing all this, I checked fuses and looked at battery connections, everything looked normal. I tried to start the vehicle and it started right up.

Strange.

[email protected] · October 16, 2010

how many miles are on yours? i have an 05 with 123,000, and the only issue so far is that ive had to replace the encoder motor for the four wheel drive. ive had it for 2 years now, and thats all ive had to do to it, besides regular maintenance, knock on wood.

Chris · October 16, 2010

i forgot to mention the gauge cluster... sorry. mine was replaced by the dealer last year.

smrio · October 16, 2010

how many miles are on yours? i have an 05 with 123,000, and the only issue so far is that ive had to replace the encoder motor for the four wheel drive. ive had it for 2 years now, and thats all ive had to do to it, besides regular maintenance, knock on wood.

I got 50 k

but it started at around 45,000k.

I just a quick quote and spoke with a GMC Parts Man. He says the cylinder is $66, $35 to re-key, $9 for each key. I told him the symptoms and he says the cylinder is worn-out, he mentions if I used an aftermarket key or a homedepot key it will ruin the cylinder. But the funny thing is when I told him that I was using the original key, he just says the key cylinder is just worn-out. I add up all that plus tax and someone to install it for me and its a bill I'm not looking forward to.

txab · October 16, 2010

Thanx, I made the transition from a 97 nissan 4cyl. hardbody to this full size deal. I like the truck an-all, but the speedometer failed, the RPM needle thing failed next and now the gas gauges are acting up alittle bit. Then there's the Key ignition problem.
So I'm sizing up these two components as MY NEXT REPAIR PROJECTS, but I just Hope the quality of the new parts I put in will last a long time.

My old nissan had 210,000k and the key ignition still worked flawlessly, the speedometer was just fine, the engine kept going. I feel a little bit of regret, but I'll do my best to keep this truck up.

I got 50 k
but it started at around 45,000k.

# 07187C: Special Coverage Adjustment - Instrument Panel Cluster Gauge Needle Function - (Mar 20, 2009)

Subject:

07187C -- SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT - INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER GAUGE NEEDLE FUNCTION

Models:

2003-2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT

2005 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT (U.S. ONLY)

2003-2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE

2005 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE (U.S.ONLY)

2003-2004 GMC SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL

2005 GMC SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL (U.S. ONLY)

THIS BULLETIN IS BEING REVISED TO INCLUDE CERTAIN 2005 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES IN THE U.S. ADDITIONALLY, FOR U.S. 2003-2005 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES, GM WILL PROVIDE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER (IPC) ONLY, AT NO CHARGE TO THE CUSTOMER FOR VERIFIED FAILURES BETWEEN 70,001 MILES (110,001 KM) AND 80,000 MILES (130,000 KM). ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS, INCLUDING LABOR TO REPLACE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER, WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CUSTOMER. DEALERS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RETURN OF THE CUSTOMER'S IPC BACK TO THE ELECTRONIC SERVICE CENTER. PLEASE DISCARD ALL COPIES OF BULLETIN 07187B, ISSUED SEPTEMBER 2008.

CUSTOMERS ARE BEING INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT IF THEY BELIEVE THEIR VEHICLE HAS THIS CONDITION. THE CUSTOMER IS BEING ASKED TO PROVIDE THE VIN SO THE IPC CAN BE ORDERED IN ADVANCE OF THE SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT. THIS WILL ELIMINATE THE NEED TO KEEP THE VEHICLE OVERNIGHT. DEALERS ARE TO OBTAIN THE VEHICLE MILEAGE WHEN SCHEDULING A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE MILEAGE WILL BE REQUIRED WHEN PLACING AN ORDER FOR THE IPC.

Condition

Some customers of all 2003-2004 model year and certain U.S. 2005 model year Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Sierra, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles have reported that one or more of the instrument panel (IP) cluster gauges stick, flutter, or become inoperative. This may cause inaccurate readings, including the speedometer and fuel gauge. Special Coverage Adjustment This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 7 years or 70,000 miles (110,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership.

Dealers are to replace the instrument panel cluster after the condition has been verified. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.

For verified failures between 70,001 miles (110,001 km) and 80,000 miles (130,000 km) on U.S. vehicles, dealers are to provide the customer with an instrument panel cluster (IPC) only. Any additional costs, including labor to replace the instrument panel cluster, will be the responsibility of the customer. Dealers are responsible for the return of the customer's IPC back to the Electronic Service Center.

For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after September 28, 2007 for 2003-2004 model year vehicles, and March 23, 2009 for 2005 model year vehicles, are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to September 28, 2007 for 2003-2004 model year vehicles, or March 23, 2009 for 2005 model year vehicles, must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.

Chris · October 16, 2010

idk see the dealer. the warranty on the gauge cluster is 7 years/70,000 miles. i dont know the converion to Km but i think your still covered

smrio · October 16, 2010

http://www.truckforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12050

This Worf guy on that post had some good pointers and he hit it on the money, I just hope the parts work for a long time.

I'm also taking his hint of replacing the ignition wire connection.

As far as seeing a dealer about the warranty, the truck came with a salvage title. So Im sol.

Maybe i better get US Fedelis.....

I dont like where the interior light is also, any ideas on how I should move it? I hate walking around the vehicle to the driver side to turn it on & off. ( I work from my truck so the passenger seat is always carrying some chemicals and the campers are too expensive )