Key Minder Chime Always On S-Series
 

Hello.

My key minder chime is active even when there is no key in the ignition. It thinks there is a key in the ignition when there is not.
I replaced the lock cylinder and the problem still occurs. So maybe its the ignition switch itself.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sat...6c919890f4.png


I want to confirm my understanding... In the attached pictures, are the brass colored tabs inside the keyhole the key minder switches? Or is it the tab on the outside of the body? If anyone has any advice, i'd appreciate it. I have a new switch coming in tomorrow just in case.

Many thanks
-Jesse
1997 SL1

Mine does the same thing and since I'm too cheap to replace it I just keep a 10mm socket handy and tap the lock with that.
Works for me every time.
(YMMV)

At least that's a workaround for you. It's not working for me though. I got a new lock cylinder and it didn't fix it. So it's the switch itself maybe. It's also possible that the issue is in the housing itself.

The housing tube that holds the lock cylinder is also where the ignition switch is mounted from the rear. The housing contains mechanical components that may have failed. The housing is attached to the steering column bracket with bolts with very small heads that appear to very easy to strip off.

If only I understood how the switch worked it would be easier to diagnose.

Maybe it's the door switch? IDK, just guessing.

I'm trying to find out what the design is for that era of GM ignition cylinders. I'll be back if I find something I understand or even if I don't understand it

The new ignition switch arrived today (purchased from Amazon). After removing the old one and installing the new one, the Key Minder Chime functions correctly.

What a relief! That thing was driving me crazy.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sat...5da308cb0a.jpg


Thanks for all the help!

Just wanted to share this image I found while searching the ignition switch electrical diagrams... this indicates that the Key Minder switch is internal to the ignition switch... so it makes sense that the problem was corrected by replacing the switch.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sat...c4b709b049.jpg

But it could have been a problem with the lock cylinder. In my case, my old lock cylinder was working just fine, althoufh it certainly benefited from a thorough cleaning.
I'll be returning the new one.

Happy to hear you got it fixed. I'm going to be working on a CPAP machine today. Just replacing the motor as a precautionary move. I've been getting a message on it for over a month now that the motor has exceeded it's life expectancy. I sure as hell don't want it crapping out on me in the middle of the night.

serviceable. What model of CPAP is it? How did you get a replacement Motor? It's pretty cool that they make CPAP machines servicable.

Rube,

Check on the internet before you disassemble it that it will recognize the manufacturer date of the new CPAP motor. Those types of things are usually programmed into the computer module inside. It is an elapsed time-based message.

The catch is the owner cannot get into the settings to tell it that it has a new motor and what date it was installed. Which means you can physically install the motor but the electronics may refuse to talk to it. Just another way for the manufacturer to generate more income from something you already bought. Probably have to send it back to them or at least to a supply house. Just don't want you to be out the cost of a motor if I'm correct.