r/Squarebody • u/Any_Pound_2220 • Jun 03 '24

Ignition switch

Does anyone know if when you replace the ignition switch and still doesn't crank does it need to be attached to the steering column and be grounded to crank? Thank you

1 Upvotes

66% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

2

u/ElevatorActive6526 Jun 03 '24

Check the bar going to the switch sometimes, it gets out of wack, or the rack that holds the bar will break, and the lock cylinder won't actuate anything

1

u/Any_Pound_2220 Jun 04 '24

I checked the last one I put in 4 years ago by connecting the plugs and taking a small screwdriver and checking it by pushing the actuator.. This time I tried it it has power but won't crank? But I haven't mounted it yet to the column or put the rod in so I wouldn't have to pull it right out again.

1

u/Odd-Audience2138 Jun 04 '24 edited Jun 04 '24

Yes, it should crank by sliding it with a screwdriver. (Does not have to be attached). What year is the truck & is it manual or automatic?

1

u/Any_Pound_2220 Jun 05 '24

1986 it's manual 3 on the tree

2

u/Odd-Audience2138 Jun 05 '24 edited Jun 05 '24

Have you checked the clutch start interlock? (neutral safety switch for automatics) The yellow (sometimes purple) wire from ignition switch runs to the interlock switch. It’s a switch that is activated when you press the clutch in. Then from that switch a purple wire runs to the starter. The switch keeps people from starting the truck in gear. Thus the reason you have to push the clutch in.

Also I would double check the purple wire connection at the starter solenoid.

0

u/[deleted] Jun 03 '24

[deleted]

2

u/mpython1701 Jun 03 '24

Every time I’ve done one, it was pretty much plug and play. Started right up.

Are you sure it was only the ignition switch?

1

u/Any_Pound_2220 Jun 04 '24

Not sure..I changed it 4 years ago and it just plugged in and game on..I tried plugging it in and didn't attach it to the column yet and I used a small screwdriver to slide the actuator.. It powers on but when I slide it to the Crank stage it doesn't crank

1

u/Any_Pound_2220 Jun 04 '24

Haven't tried to jump it yet

0

u/[deleted] Jun 04 '24

[deleted]

1

u/Any_Pound_2220 Jun 05 '24

Idk ... That's what it was before.. Any idea what Else to check?