Ignition issues

[John Holstrom]

I have an '83 K10 that I've used as a plow truck on the farm for the last 18 years. It's been a wonderful truck. Ignition problems started about two years ago. I pulled the key cylinder and began using the ignition rack to start. Well, I think, the ignition switch or the safety switch started to go bad and  because of over exercise the rack disconnected from the ignition rod. I've replaced the ignition switch and the truck has started but it is a crap shoot. Sometimes it starts and sometimes it doesn't. Is there a way to install a toggle switch for power and a push button for starter and how do you wire that?

[VileZambonie]

What not fix it and replace the ignition rack and lock cylinder? You need to adjust the ignition switch to ensure the rod is fully actuating it.

[John Holstrom]

I understand your recommendation. But it doesn't really fit my circumstances. The truck is on a farm at 9000' in the Colorado Rockies. I'm 16 miles from the nearest paved road so the truck which runs well once it starts is our way to civilization when the snow flies. I've replaced the ignition switch and have good spark from it. I believe the problem is the Neutral Safety Switch. It's an automatic. Is there a way to bypass to NSS so I can get the truck to start when I activate the ignition switch. Any help on this would gratefully accepted.

[VileZambonie]

Again, verify the ignition switch is properly adjusted so that when it is actuated it is closing the circuit. If it is and you are not getting the signal voltage to the starter solenoid, bust out the test light. As far as getting advice on bypassing the NSS, well that's just foolish. If someone doesn't want to take the steps to do a few simple pinpoint tests to do a safe repair and needs directions on how to bypass, then they probably know enough to get someone hurt or killed. Don't take offense to this post, but you are asking for directions on making an unsafe repair. I as well as the others on here are willing to help you troubleshoot it the right way.

[John Holstrom]

Believe me, no offense taken. I share your understanding and feelings about bypassing any safety device. However, let me try to clarify the situation. During the winter I, and I alone, use the truck about 7-12 times to plow the quarter mile of the farm driveway to a plowed county road. The truck has not been registered in eight years. There is power to the starter because the truck starts and runs. The problem is that it is now hit or miss. When it hits it runs well. I replaced the ignition switch but I use a screw driver to move the actuator to the start position. If I had the time I would restore the whole ignition system but obviously now in the summer I'm busy with the farm. I'm just trying to make sure that when I need the truck this winter I can get a reliable start. There does seem to be some slop in the shifter, in other words, there's some wiggle in Park. Is there a way I can test the NSS? Where is it? Is there a way to tell if contact is being made. I really appreciate you taking the time with this.

[Irish_Alley]

IF you dont plan on driving the truck off the farm or what not on our mud trucks we have toggle switch and a momentary switch. the togel gives the distributor 12v and the momentary gives the starter solenoid 12v to turn the starter. but anybody could come up and take the truck if they wanted. so you could keep the 12v to the distributor in the ignition then run a momentary switch to the starter this way theres still the "safety" that some kid cant just turn it on

[John Holstrom]

Thanks for your help. My quest is that this winter when the snow begins to fly, I'll be able to go out to the truck, use my screw driver to move the ignition switch actuator to the start position and the truck will start. I believe the fault is in the NSS. Is there a way to test for that? I'm not worried about the truck being jacked. Anybody who wants that better bring  snowshoes and a dog bigger than the one I have. Thanks again.

[hatzie]

Thanks for your help. My quest is that this winter when the snow begins to fly, I'll be able to go out to the truck, use my screw driver to move the ignition switch actuator to the start position and the truck will start. I believe the fault is in the NSS. Is there a way to test for that? I'm not worried about the truck being jacked. Anybody who wants that better bring  snowshoes and a dog bigger than the one I have. Thanks again.

The Neutral safety and backup lamp switch is at the bottom of the column near the firewall.  Remove it and sub in another $8 switch.

You can install the ignition lock without tumblers so it works without the key.

Any working 1978 to 1983 column will plug right in.  I've seen complete working non-tilt AT columns for $30.

Sent from my SM-P605V using Tapatalk

[Als87]

I'm having a similar issue. It's a crap shoot on weather it will start or not. I just posted a new thread but wanted the advice on here too. I put a new tumbler in recently, it was broken, but I do not kno if I got it properly aligned. Pulled the ignition switch today & if I manually move it, it will start most of the time.  It's been frustrating as it's been doing this for a while. Thanks