73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Interior & Equipment => Steering Columns => Topic started by: maximus5541 on July 27, 2008, 12:25:17 pm
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Has anyone ever experienced problems with the key cylinder. When i put the key in the ignition and trun it to the run position usually the seat belt and choke light come intermittley, but now i have to jiggle the key to get it to come on, as a result in this the truck will not start, it just cranks over with no spark.
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sounds like bad contacts on the ignition switch under the dash :-\
Take a voltmeter and check to see if you are getting 12v at the distributor with the key on the 'run' position.
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i will try that this evening, i will post back the results., thanks for the help in advance
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well, i checked it, and there is voltage at the dist. only when i jiggle the key, so the problem lies between the key cylinder and the dist. i know the key turns, and that pulls and pushes a little metal rod up and down the column, then im lost?
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that rod goes into an igntion switch. possibly the rod is bent or the switch is just wore out. i dont believe they are that expensive but I would the switch and check it out and see if there is any slop in the operation of it all.
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I 've had several switches go bad through the years. A $20.00 switch that is priceless. No contact=no go! Good Luck
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I'd like to learn more about the ignition switch and rod. Hard to replace? My new 87 Silverado (well, newly bought) has a similar problem where it won't shut off after the key is turned.
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Check the rack mechanism in the column and see if it's broken.
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Hope I'm not stealing the thread- The rod for my switch moves up and down too, just like Maximuss's. Actually it looks like it moves just a tad too far down when ignition is turned off. A slight push upward on the rod turns my ignition off. I wonder if I can bend the rod a little to make it align better?
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Don, the rack mechanisms are nototrious for breaking in the column which causes these problems. I would pop it apart and check it.
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Here's an article on how to disassemble the steering column
Click Here (http://elcaminocentral.com/article95.html)
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well checked it all out and replaced the ignitoin switch and no more problems.
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Got mine fixed too. The rack mechanism was ok. I had to loosen the ignition switch and move it forward a little bit. ( a bear to get to!) Works good now. no more accessories running when I turn the key off..
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not trying to bring up old posts guys, but there is a link posted above about tearing apart the steering column which may be very useful to me. it just goes to a random post listing now. does anyone have the original information, or any detailed information and pics of the ignition rack and lock cylinder? i can't find any detailed info, including the haynes and old posts.
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What exactly is the problem with your column? Loose tilt?
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can't get the key to the "start" position. it's not the lock cylinder either as i purchased a new one.