Okay so I've got my 95 Firebird and it was having all sorts of problems that ended up being the ignition switch. Just before I replaced it, I was attempting to keep the key just passed where it sat for "run" because then the car would keep running and I think I ended up putting too much weight on it or something. Anyway the car shut off and then would no longer crank and also no dash lights would come on at all. I just finished installing the new switch and am still having the same problem. I've searched on so many forums for what to do and have came up empty.

 

did you get the shaft in right? did you see the write up here 4th Gen F-body Ignition Switch Replacement I didnt take my column out when I did mine and had a hard time because I forgot to take the plastic pin out and had to start over. lucky I didnt break anything. only other thing I can think of is fuses. get the volt meter out and see if your getting power to the switch. there is fusible link that may have went. http://shbox.com/1/ignswschematic.jpg

 

Have power to the switch so it's not the fuseable link and still just as lost. My dad is thinking maybe its a security thing but not for sure.

 

If starter does not engage/run, then VATS may be not reading the key with chip.
On the column connector, you may have two thin white wires on the column connector.
Insert key with chip and measure resistance across the two white wires ensuring continuity.
If no resistance read, then the chip reader socket under steering wheel needs replaced.
Any GM dealer will have the socket

 

Read the resistance on the key as well as the VATS connector and the ohms match up exactly.

 

you may have knocked lose or unplugged the vats wire that runs down the column

 

Even if I was still reading the right ohms on the plug?

 

dang missed that,,, ok, can you see that the shaft is moving the switch ok.

 

Since I had this problem before installing the new switch I haven't put my steering column back up and yeah I turned the key to each position a few times and its moving just fine. Since its not vats I'm wondering if I may have messed something up with the wiring harness for the switch. I had to replace it because of how burnt it was and maybe I didn't connect some of the wires right?

 

check the output at the switch when turning the key.