Truck wouldn’t crank so tried remote starter between two heavy lugs on starter relay mounted behind battery in engine compartment and it did crank normally. Then took voltage reading at lighter connector on relay with someone turning key on and got nothing. Unless I’m wrong, this tells me problem must be in ignition switch (electrical portion, not key switch itself). Am I figuring right?

Thanks
Bill

 

Your reasoning is good. With the key in the "start" position you should get 12v at the light gauge wire to energise the fender mounted relay. If you are not getting that then you may have a break in the wire or a bad ign switch or a bad connection to it or the ign switch may need adjusted.
The ign switch is bolted to the steering column under the dash. You can loosen the two bolts and slide the switch up and down the column to adjust it. It is connected back up the column to the key switch by the actuator.

 

Thanks for the reply.

I’ve been told I might have to remove the plastic piece that wraps around the steering column just below the wheel, which consists of a top and bottom piece, to give me enough access to fuss with the switch and actuator. If so, looks like I first have to remove the bottom piece by using a phillips up in the long access holes, which will then also free up the top piece. I started to back out the phillips head screws but they were extremely tight so I backed off for fear of stripping them out. Figured I better find out the right way before I cause more of a problem.

thanks
Bill

 

when you try to start the truck with the key, do you feel any spring tension in the start position?? if not, i will say there is a safe bet the ignition actuator in the top of the column is broken. standard breakage item on the old body style trucks. part costs about $13, and takes a few hours to put in.

 

Can someone please help with the above question?

thanks

 

the switch is located on the bottom of the steering column in the area of the brake pedal. the actuator is located in the top of the column under the covers you are talking about.
to determine if it is the actuator or not,, reach under the dash and find the ignition switch. it it held to the column by two bolts. if i remember correctly, they have 7/16 wrench heads on them. if you remove the switch, you can use a small screwdriver to work the switch. if you can start the truck with the switch, than the actuator is most likely the problem, and we can direct you to it's replacement.