Oldsmobile/Buick Repair: Bad ingnition switch??????, starter solenoid, safety switches

Question
We have a 96 Cutlass, the car seemed dead except the battery  and connections are good. The dealer is telling us that it needs a new switch because the Security Reader is bad in the switch ( it can't read the key I geuss). Can this just be dissabled or do we need to spend $330.00 to replace the switch. Thanks, Rick


Answer
Hi Rick,
I have a 95 Cutlass, and it does Not use a key with a chip in it, therefore a normal $45. ignition switch on the steering column would work.
But there are neutral safety switches, and a starter solenoid, as well as wire connections that could be the problem.
If a security reader is bad, I believe the engine should still crank over, it just won't run.
A crank fuse is something else to check.

Hmmm. I think another opinion is due.

Van