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1996 Chevy Silverado Ignition Switch

Tiny
JJREBHOLZ
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
I just changed the ignition switch on my truck. When I first went to start it, it seemed like it didnt want to engage the starter (by engage I mean the yellow wire that goes to the starter is not getting hot), although it did. There would always be just a slight pause that seemed odd, but I just kind of ignored it. THe problem got a little worse and sometime it wouldn't engage the starter at all, but if I turned the key off and back on it would work. Now it is not working at all. If I run a jumper wire from one of the hot wires on the ignition switch to the yellow one it fires right up. I took the ignition switch off and turned the switch manually with a screwdriver and it fires up. The actuating rod seems to be turning fine when I turn the key and doesn't seem to have any play. I think it got to be either a bad ignition switch or the actuating rod is bad. Any advice?
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Monday, December 14th, 2009 AT 5:55 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,716 POSTS
What prompted you to replace the switch? Was it doing the same thing? The reason I ask is because it does sound like you have a bad switch, but if it is the same problem, it could be something different. Also, when you refer to replacing the ignition switch, are you talking about the electrical switch or the tumbler?

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, December 14th, 2009 AT 10:18 PM
Tiny
JJREBHOLZ
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  • 6 POSTS
It was the electrical part. I changed it because the other one wasn't sending power out of the pink wire so the fuel pump wouldn't turn on and it wouldn't get fire but it would crank over. I put a master pro switch in which is the cheapest one I could find. I may try to take it back tomorrow if that's what you think the problem is.
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Monday, December 14th, 2009 AT 10:31 PM
Tiny
JJREBHOLZ
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I took the ignition switch back (the electrical part) and exchanged it for a new one. I put it in and it does the same thing. I am pretty sure that the key is turning just as far as it did before, but apparenly the actuating rod is not turning far enough to for the ignition switch to power up the wire that goes to the starter.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2009 AT 6:57 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Can you adjust the switch so that it will move further?
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2009 AT 9:42 PM
Tiny
JJREBHOLZ
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  • 6 POSTS
I don't believe so. I wouldn't think it would be anything with the switch since I have put two new ones on. It must be the lock cylinder or actuating rod. Do I have to remove the steering wheel to replace either of these?
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Thursday, December 17th, 2009 AT 6:29 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,716 POSTS
I hate to say it, but yes you need to remove it. If the truck has an airbag, make sure you disonnect the battery and allow the vehicle to sit for some time. THe manufacturers usually recommend around 15 to 30 minutes. I personally let them sit overnight. The airbags can be very touchy and deploy for reasons that you wouldn't expect.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe
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Thursday, December 17th, 2009 AT 3:06 PM

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