Fast forward to now: I have replaced the ignition actuator rod,(mine was broken) at the top of the steering column. I had no spring back to the key and the truck would not even turn over. I did a search and found the directions, the only thing I did not do was to remove the ignition switch on the lower steering column, just did not understand why I needed to do so. I put everything back together, switch moves nicely, springs back, etc., but it will not turn over with the key. I then remembered from my growing up on a farm days, about jumping it at the solenoid, so I got the screwdriver out and it fired up and ran. It was getting dark, so I decided that I might stop working on it for now. I now know: it runs if you jump the solenoid, that if you turn the key, everything on the dash lights up but doesn't turn the motor over, I know that when you start it by using the solenoid, I do not heat/ac fan motor activity, did not think about checking other things. Now, a few questions please:
1) Why should I have pulled the ignition switch on the lower steering column off when replacing the actuator rod at the top of the steering column?
2)What does that switch do exactly?
3) I think I understand that it is adjustable....How?
4) I am looking to replace that switch as the next course of action...do you all agree...??

any other ideas and suggestions at this point would be greatly appreciated !!

 

Time for a night time bump...........23 views and no ideas........anyone?

 

If you don't have heat/ac fan motor activity, then it will be the ignition switch. I had a mustang do the same thing, the switch was replaced and everythign was good.

The switch in question, is what controls power coming in, and that explains why no start and the other things not working.

 

The switch has slots so you can adjust it. The switch has detents for the different positions like ACC, Run and OFF. That spring back you feel when you turn the key to the Start position comes from the ignition switch.

Here's a picture of the ignition switch.

There are two bolts that hold the steering column to the dash and a couple at the base of the steering column at the firewall. Remove those and drop the column. Let the steering wheel rest on the seat and you'll have good access to the ignition switch.

 

Ha, I'm headed out on lunch in about an hour to drop the column in the parking lot and try to test my ignition switch. If the switch is good, at least I can get the truck home after a few nights stuck at the office.

I saw the two at the dash that hold the column but there are also two further back? I bet I looked at them but didn't notice.

Hopefully your problem is nothing more than the switch, which is only like 15 bucks. Hopefully my problem is the same.

 

Vitro, if you know how to take a screwdriver, etc. and cross it at the solenoid on the passender wall just behind the battery, that may work to get it home......good luck, I am going to check my switch when I get home from work also !~! Would love for that to be the issue with the no start with using the key...since I already replaced the top actuator rod !