when i start my truck if i turn the key all the way it kind of starts but doesnt start until i let go of the key. It kind of dies all the way to the right when i turn the key but when i let off the pressure on the key it starts. Wonderin what the he11 this is? Is this bad? i want to know what is wrong., it is pissing me off.

Vinny
02 Red L

 

sounds like the ignition switch that is bolted to the bottom of the column is not making contact in the full start position you can test is with a test light to verify this if the light goes out in full start position while you have the wire probed then you know what the problem is

 

ok i will prob just take it in for warranty seeing that i need a fog replaced but if i wanted to check myself what would i need to get and how would i set it up?

Vinny
02 Red L

 

Question - when you say it doesn't start until you let the go of the key, have you tried holding the key in the start position for different amounts of time?

Say you turn the key and hold it in the start position. Does the engine just crank for however long you hold it, even if it is a long time, and then start as soon as you let go?

Or do you turn it and let it go for a second or two and the release and thats when it starts up?


If it's the second mine is like the same. I turn the key for a few seconds then as release it starts up.

 

get a test light and back probe the starter circuit, even better you can access the red and blue "s" wire at the starter solinoid next to the battery. remove the wire from the solonoid and run a test light from the neg battery cable to the wires connector.. you might have to get some one to hold it. turn the key to full start position and see if the test light lights. If not you are losing your signal from the ignition switch to the starter.... which is what I think is happening from the description of your problem. if the light stays lit the whole time your problem lies elsewhere... being an electrical problem it can be anything. I have seen poor pcm grounds cause a very similiar condition.

 

capt. mine is the same as yours. I turn the key hold it for a sec and let it go and it starts every time. it kind of stutters a bit when i turn it all the way but a soon as i let go it starts no problem. i guess mine does the same as yours so i am not gonna sweat it. When i go in eventually to get my fog fixed i will ask them about it and see what they say. I will let u know.
So......... you dont think it is a big deal right???

Vinny
02 Red L

svt thanks for the help also

 

I think maybe I misunderstood what you were saying... i as thinking that when you truned the key to start the truck nothing happened until you let go of the key, the engine would not crank or anything. hmmmmmm

 

If you have a chip, pull it out and try it again. Ive seen this happen a couple times.

 

no chip. when i turn the key the truck cranks and when i take pressure off the key it starts almost like i am turning it past the starting point. when i let the key settle back to where it stays it starts. if i turn it all the way and take my hand off it starts. if i turn it as far as it goes it kind of hesitates until i take my hand off and let it settle and it starts fine. it only hesitates for a split second till i take my hand off. I never held it so i dont know it would keep sputtering or not. I will try it tomorrow. It seems like mine does the same thing as capt oblivious.

Vinny
02 Red L

 

It sounds like your ignition switch is not adjusted correctly. I've never checked one out on these trucks, but if it's like most vehicles, it's bolted to the steering column down under the dash, and there is a rod that connects to the key cylinder via mesh gear. When you turn the key, the rod gets pushed down the column and moves the switch, which is just a slide switch. The mounting holes are usually oval, allowing for some adjustment. It sounds like when you have the key at full turn, you are going past the start position of the switch. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks everyone for the advice. I will check all of these suggestions out and hopefully get a fix. I will keep you posted.

Vinny
02 Red L