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is the battery light on the dashboard supposed to flash when I drive? sometimes it will go out but then come back on. sometimes it flickers too! then when I turn of the truck I can't start it again! it takes about 10 minutes of turning the key back and forth and pushing the clutch in and out. the lights come on when i try to start, but the starter makes no attempt. the ignition is not loose at all. if i leave it overnite it will start right up in the morning. voltage on the gauge seems good when driving, regardless of battery light on, off, or flashing. sorry for the long post!
I would try to replace the ignition switch. It's not too expensive, and being this is an intermittent problem, would be a good place to start.
The key up in the column is not the ignition switch. It's only a mechanical lock and lever system. A rod runs down the column, and underneath the dash on top of the column is where the electrical part is that may possibly be bad. Take the two bolts out that hold the column to the dash, and drop the column down a little, and it makes it much easier to deal with.
Make sure you keep the locating pin that is in the new switch inserted till you have it installed and tight.
thanks for the tip! I will tackle it tommorow. Should I replace the solenoid that is mounted on the inside fender by the battery too?
thanks again
You know, you reminded me of a problem I had with my truck. It was doing the same thing, and after replacing the ignition switch, it didn't fix it. What it turned out to be was the small elbow connector on the solenoid(starter relay) was corroded. I pulled it off and put it back on and it fixed it.
Sorry I didn't think of this before. It certainly would be something to try. I never regretted putting the ignition switch on though. It did make the detent in the run position seem more defined.
my local parts store didn't have the ignition in stock, but they did have the solenoid. I inspected the elbow wire you mentioned while installing the new solenoid. All was good. I cleaned all grounds and checked all connections. Now she fires up like a champ!!! I will still replace the ignition when they have it in stock, because like you said it will be a more confident feel. Thank you again for all your help!!