Can it be fixed for cheaper?

Question

I have a '98 Pontiac Grand Am (almost 170k miles). I have been told by the dealer that only they can fix my ignition column (or switch) in order to get my car started. I was also told they must replace the instrument cluster to start it. All this is close to $700. I don't even see how the two are connected. I can understand the ignition not allowing the car to start, but the cluster? Is it true only the dealership can make this type of repair? Can it be fixed any cheaper? Will the car run if the cluster is bad?

Answer 1

To address your first concern the pass lock sensor that the ignition cylinder fits into is bad,not the cylinder itself.it's a common problem with"N"body cars.Your instrument cluster will not prevent your vehicle from starting once your cylinder is repaired.Clusters are not repaired at the dealer,they are sent out to a local authorized Delco electronics facility where they are exchanged for a reconditioned unit in which they program the mileage from your vehicle into.You can perform this exchange yourself if you know the facility in your area,but keep in mind there may be some "resetting" of the PCM to do once the reconditioned cluster has been installed.Yes the vehicle will run but you may have incorrect readings from the cluster depending on what part of the cluster is faulty.Use the "step by step" process with the service dept.have them replace the pass lock switch/cylinder then contact you,go to the dealer and physically try to start your vehicle.the more pro-active you are with your vehicle and the dealer,the less likely they will try to sell you work you do not need.the auto industry is in alot of hurt right now and they are trying to get work where they can ! this is one reason why I left the business after 15 years at a GM dealer and became a firefighter...it's more honorable work and I no longer feel like I'm taking someone for a "ride" just to make a living.

Answer 2

I would be very reluctant to take their claims at face value.

I once heard that the issue of retaining a vehicle's warranty while allowing "outsiders" to work on it had to be settled in court. There were good arguments on both sides: an owner may not want to pay $50 for something he can do himself for $10, and a Chevy dealership (for example) may not want to have to pay to fix problems caused by a mechanic at a Toyota dealership (for example). It may be true that only a GM place (for practical purposes) can order or acquire certain GM/Delco parts, but I don't see how they can legitimately say that only they can install them.

On the other end of the spectrum, I inherited an '82 Sedan de Ville that had a certain problem around five years ago, and I took it to the local Cadillac dealer to see what I could find out. They said the car was so old that they couldn't get the part, so I took the car to a shop I'd had good luck with, and they COULD get the part. I'm guessing the people at the latter shop were more willing to go through retailers of used and rebuilt parts, and perhaps through salvage yards.

It's possible that the two problems the dealer has discussed ARE connected, but I wonder if it's more likely that they really don't know where the problem lies so they want to replace both things at the same time to be sure. One may be able to get a used instrument cluster from a similar vehicle at a salvage yard, but I doubt that any warranty that comes with it would be nearly as comprehensive.

Good luck.

Answer 3

They want to steal your money. Thats why you usually need to go with a jar of vaseline in hand when you ask something to the dealer.

The ignition switch is located next to the steering column and it is not big deal to replace it. Just a couple of screws away.
Go to a local shop. or get a manual and do it yourself. It is not a big job to do.

Answer 4

try a local mechanic or consult a chiltons rebuild manual the show everything about any car for 20$ me and my dad worked on a couple cars that way
also that price seems abit high try looking at a parts car for cheap then have someone put it on also ebay has good parts cheap good luck with ur car