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Replaced the steering column on my 97 7.3 manual with a rebuilt one from Steering Column Services. It's been loose for years, most recently wouldn't start so I assumed something in the ignition broke off (which it did, lots of little bits of plastic and metal came out when we pulled the old one). Got the rebuilt one put in and hooked up. Lights all work. Still no start. However now we have smoke! Pulled the shrouds off, and this wire is melted. From diagrams I found online, this is the ground from the ignition switch. The only part that gave me doubt putting it back together has a red arrow in a picture (not my picture, screenshotted from a YouTube video). Mine is super loose and hard to keep on. I'm guessing it's also a ground and is supposed to snap on? Anyone know what that little wire part is and what it's for? or any idea why the harness we've had all along is suddenly smoked when we plugged in to this new steering column?
I can run a new ground but don't want to immediately smoke that one too.
When did it start to smoke? When turning to crank?
Something must be pinched.
It isnt cranking. I can hear the click of the starter but no attempt at cranking it. We've cleaned off the battery terminals, batteries are 2 years old, alternator is same age.
It isnt cranking. I can hear the click of the starter but no attempt at cranking it. We've cleaned off the battery terminals, batteries are 2 years old, alternator is same age.
Did you ever find out what the issue was causing it to ground out? My truck is doing the same!
