Trying to determine what makes the key return from the START to RUN position,
does not seem to be the column mounted switch or the key switch. I have the factory shop manual but can not find any info, and see nothing with everything opened up?

Needless to say my key DOES NOT return to the RUN position, nor will it start in the START position. Never has, when I got the truck it had a "start" switch. Need to fix.



Thanks, Bill

 

The return spring is in the switch assembly mounted on the column, not the key cylinder. If it don't return from the start position then replace the switch.

 

I predict broken actuator.

 

Well that's what I would have thought, I think I got a bad "new" switch, because I can slide it from end to end like the old one, back to the store tomorrow

 

and i second that prediction.

it always amazes me what people will do to an electrical system to keep from having to replace that simple $15 part.

 

by actuator, do you mean the rod that goes from the ignition switch up to the key switch? because that is moving freely up and down and locking the steering.
I agree it probably took me as much time to get to the switch is it took him to run the wires and bypass the problem, but it was a bartering chip when I bought the truck!

 

no, the rod connects to another piece in the column that then connects to the key cylinder. that is what breaks.
search ignition actuator and you will find detailed repair articles.
just make sure you use the proper one. there is 91 and older uses one style, and the 92 and newer trucks use a different style.
it is rather easy to replace, you remove the key cylinder, steering wheel, blinker switch, and a few other odds and ends. then the broken pot metal piece comes out and the new good one goes back in it's place.
the first one i did took 4 hours because i removed the column out of the truck. now that i learned you do not have to do that i can do one in about an hour.

 

OK, thanks, well I know my switch is bad, and
the new switch does not have any spring to it for the return
so I'll get a new, GOOD switch first, and then I'll take it from there.


Bill

 

Well done is done, predictions were right it was not only a broken actuator, but also a bad switch, Now I can start my truck like a normal person. Thanks for your help.


Bill

 

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