Hey all, I searched previous threads but really didnt find anything. I recently aquired an 84 D150 in a trade, Everything seems pretty solid on the truck. One major issue that it has, it wont start using the ignition switch. It will start with the old screwdriver on the starter post method. My first thought was the starter relay, tested it with the haynes manual instruction and it would not turn over at all from the relay. I went ahead and got a new relay anyway since it was only $11. but it acts the same as the old one. Im thinking maybe a bad wire somewhere between the relay and the switch, but thought I would see if anyone else here has or have fixed this problem. I did do a little rigging and ran a switch inside the cab so that I can start it from there. The Ignition switch works in all positions, so Im thinking the ignition switch itsself is fine.

 

The ignition switch has several separate contacts inside and in this case the start contacts may be your problem. All of the other contacts may work when this one fails so that you can't just assume it is not the switch. It must be tested. Pull the relay and identify pin 86 and its corresponding socket and replace the relay (The wire to that socket should be yellow). Back probe that socket with your multi-meter. You should get voltage when you turn the switch to the start position. If not the problem is either the switch or the wire from the switch to that socket.

The wire on the switch that goes to the relay should be yellow. You can test for voltage at this terminal on the switch when you turn the switch to the start position. If you have no voltage the switch is the problem. If there is voltage the problem is in that yellow wire.

 

Thanks for the info Seal, as soon as I get a little time Ill trace it out and let you know my results.

 

kind of a silly sounding question but when you turn the ignition switch does the little metal rod that runs down the side of the column move? I had a problem simular to this with an 84 Ramcharger and it was the mechanism inside the column was broke and not pulling that rod when I turned the switch. I used to use a pair of channel locks to pull that rod and start the truck,lol.

 

You know someone else told me about that and I havent had a chance to look at it really yet. But I will check that out also. I did however go ahead and buy an ignition switch. That way the previous owner wont have a key to my truck. Not that I dont trust him, but you never know

 

The ignition switch and the key lock assembly are separate things that are connected by a rod.

 

My bad, I bought a new key lock assembly. And this may sound like a silly question, But where is the rod located? My steering column is completely enclosed. Looks like the only way to access the switch or the key lock assembly is to remove the steering wheel. My haynes manual is unclear whether to remove the steering wheel or not, but all illustrations show the column without it.

 

The switch is on the column below the enclosed part of the steering column just behind the dash. You do not have to pull the steering wheel. You do have to basically stand on your head to get at the switch. The rod comes down from the key lock assembly inside the enclosure to the switch itself behind the dash.

 

Cool man, thanks. I think I do have to remove the wheel to change the key lock assembly, and if need be get to the top of the rod. There's no other way to reach the release pin without removing the sleeve and everything behind the wheel

 

Yes you do have to remove the steering wheel to replace the key lock cylinder.

On the switch itself, if you lower the steering shaft the switch is much easier to access. One more thing, on the switch there is an adjustment procedure that must be done for correct operation.