New ignition won't turn over

Tiny
JIHUGHES79
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 DODGE RAM
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 255,000 MILES
I installed a new ignition lock & cylinder. Everything seems lined-up but it won't turn over. Any advice?
Wednesday, July 13th, 2011 AT 7:44 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,922 POSTS
Is that a new cylinder or did you put the old one into the new switch assembly? If it's an old cylinder being reused, why were parts changed? What was the previous problem? A common cause of everything else working except for a failure to crank is a cracked cam on the end of the cylinder. When it's loose, it won't turn the switch quite far enough to hit the starter contact. The dealer's parts department has a simple repair kit for that.

For other symptoms, most tests can be done at the starter relay socket with a test light or voltmeter.
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Wednesday, July 13th, 2011 AT 8:15 PM
Tiny
JIHUGHES79
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
The lock & cylinder are new; the switch is old. I had trouble starting it. Seemed like the cylinder was loose and protruding outward; had to push inward and hold while turning to get truck to start. Thought I needed to replace the cylinder so that's what I did. Should I replace the switch too?
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Wednesday, July 13th, 2011 AT 8:56 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,922 POSTS
Lets test before we replace. Look for a 14 gauge yellow wire in the switch connector. It should have 12 volts when the switch is in the "crank" position. If it does not, check for voltage on the 10 gauge red wire. If it's missing there, suspect a blown fuse, # 10, a 50 amp under the hood.
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Thursday, July 14th, 2011 AT 12:33 AM
Tiny
JIHUGHES79
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  • 14 POSTS
I'm having trouble getting a test light or voltmeter. Is there a way I can look at the fuse and tell if it needs replaced?
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+1
Thursday, July 14th, 2011 AT 1:29 AM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,922 POSTS
Fuse 10, a 50 amp under the hood feeds that part of the ignition switch, but it also feeds the wipers and radio in the run and accessory positions. If those things work, the fuse is good.
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Thursday, July 14th, 2011 AT 8:05 AM

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