Ignition Key and switch

[Saddle_Bag]

I have a 2003 Silverado 1500. On cold mornings when I attempt to start the truck, when I turn the key to engage the starter motor, the key or rather the switch the key activates , wont disengage the starter. I have to turn the key back. If I don't turn the key back the starter will keep going. Should I use a lubricant like silicon or something like WD_40 on this switch??? Is lubrication a problem or a defective switch??? This has only happened on very cold mornings (15 degrees F) thank you joe

[GM-Tech]

Info - Starter Cranks After Key Is Released (Normal Condition) #03-06-03-001A - (Sep 29, 2003)

 

2003-2004 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT

 

2003-2004 Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, SSR, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe

 

2003-2004 GMC Savana, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL

 

with 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L or 8.1L Gas Engine (VINs V, P, T, Z, N, U, G -- RPOs LR4, LM4, LM7, L59, LQ9, LQ4, L18)

 

This bulletin is being revised to add models and model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-06-03-001 (Section 06 - Engine).

 

Some customers may comment that the engine starter will continue to run after the key is released.

 

For the 2003 and 2004 model years, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controls the starter relay based on input from the key switch. When the ignition switch is held in the start position for 0.4 seconds, the PCM start timer is activated. Once the start timer is activated, the PCM will continue to crank the starter until either the engine starts or a no start time limit is reached.

 

Occasionally, the fuel pump module will take one or two seconds to build fuel pressure. Often this will occur after the vehicle sits overnight. During some vehicle starts, the customer may release the ignition switch key before the engine actually starts. When this occurs, the engine will then continue to crank until the engine starts or the no start time limit is reached.

 

This is a normal condition and no repairs should be attempted for this condition.

 

 

 

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

 

 

© Copyright General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

[Saddle_Bag]

Info - Starter Cranks After Key Is Released (Normal Condition) #03-06-03-001A - (Sep 29, 2003)

 

2003-2004 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT

 

2003-2004 Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, SSR, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe

 

2003-2004 GMC Savana, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL

 

with 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L or 8.1L Gas Engine (VINs V, P, T, Z, N, U, G -- RPOs LR4, LM4, LM7, L59, LQ9, LQ4, L18)

 

This bulletin is being revised to add models and model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-06-03-001 (Section 06 - Engine).

 

Some customers may comment that the engine starter will continue to run after the key is released.

 

For the 2003 and 2004 model years, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controls the starter relay based on input from the key switch. When the ignition switch is held in the start position for 0.4 seconds, the PCM start timer is activated. Once the start timer is activated, the PCM will continue to crank the starter until either the engine starts or a no start time limit is reached.

 

Occasionally, the fuel pump module will take one or two seconds to build fuel pressure. Often this will occur after the vehicle sits overnight. During some vehicle starts, the customer may release the ignition switch key before the engine actually starts. When this occurs, the engine will then continue to crank until the engine starts or the no start time limit is reached.

 

This is a normal condition and no repairs should be attempted for this condition.

 

 

 

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer".  They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle.  Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely.  If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition.  See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

  WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

 

 

© Copyright General Motors Corporation.  All Rights Reserved.

 

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[Saddle_Bag]

No, Maybe I not explaining it right. The key stays over and you have to turn it back to the run position. It feels like its hung or not turning freely. My question is would a lubricant make the switch turn free and allow the key to kick back into the run position. On warm day, you hit the starter and let go and the key drops back into the run position. On very cold days the key does not come back.

[GM-Tech]

Have a hard time with the quote function there, are ya?

 

You explained it fine, it's just that we've seen this sort of complaint and some people misinterpret the fact that the PCM is what causes the started to stay engaged, not holding the key in the start position like in the "old days" so I had to make sure this isn't what is happening.

 

If it's cold and say, there's a fuel pump or other problem that causes a long crank time, some will release the key and freak when the engine keeps cranking on its own. This is the PCM at work, is normal and not a stuck ignition cylinder.

 

You could try lubricating it. I couldn't say if it would help. What have you got to lose.