1985 Chevy Truck no power when I turn the key to start the

Tiny
JTETST
  • MEMBER
  • 1985 CHEVROLET TRUCK
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
On a few occasions when I went to start my truck I would turn the key forward and no idiot light would come on and the truck wouldnt start ( no power ). After a few minutes of wiggling my key in the ignition lock cylinder and wiggling the steering wheel my idiot light would come back on and my truck would start.
my truck is currently not starting and after alot of wiggling I get no idiot light. The battery is charged, my interior light works and my headlights come on. When my truck does this I keep the key turned forward, I get no power at the radio, the hazzard lights and signal lights and wipers dont get power either. I chaned the ignition lock cylinder and the ignition switch as well but I still get no power when I turn the key. Both ways. When I turn the key back to accessory nothing gets power. PLEASE HELP. Thank you for your time
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Monday, August 17th, 2009 AT 8:14 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 107,922 POSTS
Chances are the actual ignition switch (on the steering column not the tumbler) is out of adjustment or is bad. I would have that checked.
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Monday, August 17th, 2009 AT 11:48 PM
Tiny
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Thank you for your response.I have changed the ignition switch on the steering column as well as the lock cylinder with no luck.I used a 12v test light on all the wires going to the ignition switch, none were live. The wiring diagram in my repair manual states one wire is always live but it doesnt say which
unless I recieved a faulty switch from the parts store the problem must be elsewhere. Thank you for your time and effort
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Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 AT 12:15 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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You need to track down where the power should be coming from. Chances are there is a broken wire.
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Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 AT 10:49 PM
Tiny
JTETST
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you very much for your help. The problem turned out to be a loose wire in the engine compartment.I turned on my wipers and started wiggling wires under the hood.I was very happy when I discovered a loose connection which when shaken powered up my ignition switch. Unfortunately I checked the wiring after dropping the steering column and changing the ignition switch and lock cylinder. Hopefully someone in the same predicament will read this before taking apart their steering column. Lol. THANKS AGAIN. YOU GUYS ROCK
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Thursday, August 20th, 2009 AT 7:06 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 107,922 POSTS
I'm glad you found it. Let us know if you have questions in the future, and thanks for using 2carpros. Com

Joe
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Thursday, August 20th, 2009 AT 8:42 PM

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