Busted ignition switch.. ..

[jaynes]

Hey all. Well, now that my computer on the truck isn't working to preheat my engine right, and after a quirky incident with starting my truck (later), now my ignition switch is broken! I have the truck hot wired using a switch to turn all the electrical components (i. e. the grid heaters, fuel shut-off valve, ect. ) and then a momentary switch to start the beast. It's actually kinda funny, i have to laugh everytime I start it . The ignition switch actually does play a role. In order to get the truck into gear, it has to be turned. Also if you turn it as far as it will go (there isn't a start position anymore, thats what broke) this will control the cab heater and the windows, and if you turn it back in between that position and the one before it, this controls the radio and the turn signals. So basically is one or the other. Fun, huh? And does anyone know why this would happen: The other night, before the ignition incident, i got in the beast to start it and when I hit the "start" position, there was an audible click and I lost all electrical power. I got under the hood, jiggled the ground cable on the battery and the lights came back on. Got back in and turned the key, *click* and everything dies again. Did this 4 times before the power stayed on and the truck started. I think it's finally falling apart!:{



jaynes



PS does anyone know where to by a new ignition switch or a used one for cheap?

 

[EOliver]

I bought a new ignition switch a while back when I was having an electrical fiasco with my truck. I believe it was about $38 from the Dodge Dealer. The ironic thing is that I only used it to test the old switch, and I still have it sitting in the original box. I won't be home to get it to you until next Monday, but I would be willing to send it for say... $20



If this will work for you let me know.

 

[formula]

Had an ignition switch problem last spring. Was driving to grandmother's house when the truck just shut off going down the road. Pulled over, gave things a quick check, started back up and everything seemed fine. Next day I went out to start the truck on my way to work. As soon as I turned on the ignition switch, there was a nasty crackling sound and a cloud of smoke shot out from under the hood. Turns out that the ignition switch was shorted and fried a fuse link which caused the smoke. New switch, no problems. Try cleaning the ends of your battery cables and make sure that the insulation and the wire itself are in good shape.



Sean

 

[jaynes]

Switch

Hey EOliver,



That switch sounds like a really good deal! $20 is a good price and I'm willing to take you up on that! Thanks for that offer, I really appreciate it. By the way, would I need to get a new key for that? But I will except the offer. Email me and let me know more details about it. My address is



-- email address removed --



Once again, thanks, you saved my electrical life!



jaynes

 

[Smoke-This]

My truck did the exact same thing about three weeks ago and it turned out to be the LOCK assy not the switch. a small piece of POT metal broke off the back of the lock assy that would not allow you to turn key far enough to start same thing windows would work and if i turned really hard could get radio but no start position. lock assy is available at stealer or most auto parts with new key

 

[DJP]

Jaynes



I changed my ignition switch out two years ago with an aftermarket one from Autozone ($12). My fan blower and power windows were intermittently not working, and then had finally quit.

When I pulled the old switch, the contacts for that circuit were burned, and the plastic housing was melted.

The switch is easy to get to, once you drop the steering column down, to gain access to the electrical connectors.