Eternal ignition

[griffchris]

Anybody had experience of this one before?
When I turn off the ignition, and even remove the key, the ignition still stays on - all warnings lights still illuminated, fans sometimes still spinning.
Its been happening intermittently for about a month now, normally if I re-insert the key and engage the starter motor briefly then turn off and remove the key immediately its OK. However last night it took nine attempts for the ignition to switch off. Im obviously worried soon it'll not switch off at all - not good for security/battery/sanity
By the way its a 96 Griff

[andymadmak]

Assuming you dont have a massive short in the wiring behind the ignition lock itself ( could something have fallen in there to short the contacts?) Its almost certainly the ignition switch. It comes off a cavalier/vectra or something like that. Most likely the contacts have slipped inside the lock.
You Might be able to strip it, but best to get one from the scrapper(with Key). They are not too difficult to replace.
Cheers
Andy

[NoisyGriff]

It's to do with the alarm/immobiliser.
If you turn the ignition on, but don't start the car, then open the door, and turn the ignition off (I think that's the way this happens in mine), the ignition stays on. Bast@rd.
Easy to get round, though. If it happens, switch on the ignition again and operate the immobiliser from the key fob (as if the mobiliser has kicked in after you've unlocked the car and left it a while before starting it). Click. Switch off and the ignition is off.
For a while, I just turned the engine over once and that also works. I don't think anything's wrong (no electrician, mind). Give it a try.

Edited by NoisyGriff on Thursday 20th December 23:26

[UpTheIron]

If the problem is the ignition switch then the standard Cavalier part from a Vauxhall dealer will do the job - around £13. It's a ten minute job to remove the old one and swap - and you don't need a new key either.

[Marshy]

quote:and you don't need a new key either

Which, in the Christmas spirit, begs for the quip: "Being a Vauxhall part, any old screwdriver will do."

Edited by Marshy on Saturday 22 December 00:11

[griffchris]

Sorry for no feedback, this is the first chance I've had to get back online since I posted the original question.
Thanks for the advice, I'm not sure if this problem occurs only when the door is open, but I'll check it out tomorrow whilst fitting all the Aluminium Leventech goodies that Santa is hopefully going to bring me.
P.S. Santa (in case you're online) - I've been a very good boy this year.