Ignition cylinder

[maximus5541]

 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.

[cracker0169]

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.

[maximus5541]

i will try that this evening,  i will post back the results., thanks for the help in advance

[maximus5541]

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?

[cracker0169]

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.

[78BBSTEPSIDE]

I 've had several switches go bad through the years. A $20.00 switch that is priceless. No contact=no go! Good Luck

[DnStClr]

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.

[VileZambonie]

Check the rack mechanism in the column and see if it's broken.

[DnStClr]

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?

[VileZambonie]

Don, the rack mechanisms are nototrious for breaking in the column which causes these problems. I would pop it apart and check it.

[VileZambonie]

Here's an article on how to disassemble the steering column

Click Here

[maximus5541]

well checked it all out and replaced the ignitoin switch and no more problems.

[DnStClr]

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..

[cwilson jr]

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.

[VileZambonie]

What exactly is the problem with your column? Loose tilt?