GM Ignition Switch Failure (2010-2022): Stalling, No-Start & Relearn Guide for Cruze, Sonic, Encore & More

Is This Your Part? Switch vs. Lock Cylinder

It's crucial to understand the difference between two parts that are often confused: the ignition lock cylinder and the ignition switch. The lock cylinder is the mechanical part you put your key into. The ignition switch is the electronic component that the lock cylinder turns. The part numbers listed in this guide (such as 23276089 and 20912838) are for the electrical switch. In many cases, you can replace just the failed electrical switch without changing the lock cylinder, which means you can keep using your original keys.

Symptoms of a Failing Ignition Switch

A faulty ignition switch can cause a wide range of confusing and intermittent electrical problems. Because it controls power to so many systems, symptoms can seem unrelated.

• Engine Stalls While Driving: This is a dangerous symptom, often caused by worn internal contacts in the switch. Hitting a bump or even the vibration of the engine can be enough to momentarily cut power, causing the engine to shut off. This was the central issue in major GM recalls.
• No-Crank / No-Start: You turn the key, the dashboard lights may or may not come on, but the engine doesn't even try to crank. The switch isn't completing the circuit to the starter motor.
• Starts and Immediately Dies: The engine cranks and fires up but shuts off after a second or two. This often indicates a problem with the anti-theft system's communication with the ignition switch.
• Intermittent Electrical Problems: You might notice the radio cutting out, dashboard lights flickering, or power windows not working. This happens when the switch fails to supply steady power to the accessory circuits.
• Key is Hard to Turn or Gets Stuck: While this can be a mechanical issue with the lock cylinder, binding in the ignition switch can also make the key difficult to turn or remove.
• Warning Lights On: A failing switch can trigger various warning lights, including the check engine light, ABS light, or the security/anti-theft light.

Known Issues, Recalls, and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

Many of the vehicles covered by this guide were part of the highly publicized GM ignition switch recalls of the mid-2014s. Owners should verify with a dealer or using their VIN on the NHTSA website if these recalls were performed.

Major Ignition Switch Recalls

A primary defect allowed the ignition switch to be knocked out of the "Run" position by a driver's knee or the weight of a heavy keychain, especially when hitting a bump. This would shut off the engine and, critically, disable the airbags, power steering, and power brakes.

• Vehicles Affected by Key Rotation Recall (e.g., GM Recall 14299): 2010-2015 Buick LaCrosse, 2014-2015 Chevrolet Impala, and others. The fix often involved a new key design and plastic inserts to prevent accidental movement.
• Key Removal Without Being in Park (GM Recall 50490/50491): Certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2011-2015 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2015 Chevrolet Equinox, and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Impala models were recalled because a faulty park lock lever could allow the driver to remove the key when the transmission was not in Park, creating a rollaway risk.
• Key-in-Ignition Chime Failure (GM Recall 17130): Some 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic models with a specific radio could fail to sound the warning chime if the key was left in the ignition, increasing theft risk. The fix was a radio software update.

Vehicle-Specific TSBs

• 2011-2015 Chevrolet Cruze: A special coverage program was issued for a faulty negative battery cable that could cause symptoms mimicking a bad ignition switch, like flickering displays and loss of power steering. Another TSB addresses a no-start condition in cold weather (code P1682) due to a faulty ignition relay, not the switch itself.
• 2010 Buick LaCrosse: TSB PIC5668A was issued for vehicles where it was difficult to turn the key to the lock/off position.

Programming & Anti-Theft Requirements

This is the most critical part of replacing this ignition switch. Will the car start after you install a new one? The answer is maybe, but there is a straightforward fix if it doesn't.

These vehicles use GM's Passkey III (PK3) or a similar transponder key anti-theft system. The system works by having the key, ignition switch/lock cylinder, and the car's computer modules communicate. If they don't recognize each other, the car will not start, or will start and then immediately shut off.

The 30-Minute Security Relearn Procedure (DIY)

If you replace the ignition switch and the car won't stay running (and you see a flashing security light), you must perform a security relearn. The good news is that you can do this yourself without any special tools.

1. Turn the key to the "ON" position (do not start the engine). The security light on the dash will illuminate.
2. Leave the key in the "ON" position for approximately 10-11 minutes, or until the security light turns off.
3. Turn the key to the "OFF" position for 5-10 seconds.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 two more times for a total of three cycles (about 30 minutes total).
5. After the third cycle, turn the key off, then try to start the vehicle. It should now start and run. The vehicle has now learned the new component.

Buying a Used Ignition Switch

A used OEM ignition switch can be a reliable and cost-effective repair. Since these switches had known issues leading to recalls, a used part from a later model year or one that has been inspected can be a smart choice. Aftermarket switches can sometimes have a different 'feel' or lower-quality internal contacts that lead to premature failure.

• Verify the Part Number: Match the OEM part number from your old switch to the used one. Superseded part numbers (like 23276089 replacing 20912838) are common and acceptable.
• Inspect the Connector: Check for any signs of melting, corrosion, or broken plastic on the electrical connector and pins.
• Ask About the Key: If you are buying a complete assembly with the lock cylinder, you MUST get the matching key. Without the transponder chip from the matching key, the vehicle will not start. If you are only buying the electrical switch, this is not a concern.
• Choose OEM: A used original equipment (GM) part is often more reliable than a new, cheap aftermarket part. The materials and tolerances are built to the manufacturer's original specifications.

Cost of Replacement

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)