I need help understanding the ignition switch.

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Feb 14, 2007 | 06:33 AM

desertdave35

Thread Starter

More Turbo

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 621

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From: Marana, AZ

I need help understanding the ignition switch.

Can someone explain the mechanics behind the ignition switch for me? Here's my problem, after starting the vehicle everything is fine until I hit a bump in the road. Then the rear ABS light comes on and everything that is powered by the ignition switch is dead, i.e; wipers, power windows, radio etc.. but the truck keeps driving. I have narrowed this problem down to the ignition switch, when it happens, if I jiggle the keys the light goes off and everything works again until I hit another bump. This little trick has been working for about a month now, but now its getting real difficult to make it work, so the problem is obviously getting worse. Will simply replacing the ignition lock cylinder do the trick or is there more things connected to the switch that could be bad? If my memory serves me right, when you turn your key to start, the cylinder is pulling up on a rod that travels down the steering column right? If this is true, then why does jiggling the keys make a bad contact good again?

Help!

Feb 14, 2007 | 09:59 AM

PhantomRider

Junior User

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 59

Likes: 0

Is your key worn really bad? I had a problem similar to that once with a pickup i had. I had narrowed it down to my key (which my key was really worn and fit loosely in the ignition) so i had the dealer get me a new set for $10. Problem was solved. Hope this helps.

Feb 14, 2007 | 11:37 AM

Dutch123

Elder User

Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 793

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From: SoFla

I've snapped two ignition locks in three years. I was using a copied key- not a 10$ dealer key so there may be some truth in this. Now the entire cylinder is free spinning. Have considered a new key as PhanromRider suggests?