If I turn the ignition on, and use a screwdriver to short across what I believe to be the starter relay - it starts and runs fine. However, it will not start by turning the key only.

The key/ignition turns smoothly, and everything seems fine electrically. The battery, starter and alternator are good.

Question #1:
Is it really the starter relay that I am referring to (shorting across)?

Question #2:
Does this indicate that this component is faulty?

Question #3:
If it is not this component, is there a solenoid or something else to check?

Thanks in advance.

 

Are you physically getting underneath the truck with the screwdriver and contacting the starter solenoid? Or is it something in the column?

 

The part I am shorting is mounted under hood, at top of fender, on passenger side. Not under the engine at the starter itself.

The starter engages fine when I short between the screws of this component(with ignition in start position).

It must be a starter relay, or neutral safety switch.

 

The parts store called it the starter switch, aka starter solenoid, aka starter relay.

Anyway - I replaced it, and it still won't start using the key/ignition.

Doesn't make since. Could it be the iginition switch?

Seems like it shouldn't start at all, if it is the ignition switch.

Any clues?

 

By the way...

Dummy lights do not dim, but stay on bright when turning ignition to 'start' position - same as 'run/accessory' position

Could it be that only the start position is bad?

 

There is a small wire that goes on the starter solenoid that you replaced, is it there?
If no, find it and push it back on, and try to start it.
If yes, are there two screws on the starter solenoid?
If yes, put the wire on the other screw (or swap the two small wires), and try to start it.
If no, run a wire from the Pos. Battery post to the small screw on the solenoid, did it crank?
If yes you more than likely have bad socket on the Ing. Switch or an open wire going to the starter solenoid, some times you can get by with a new Ign. Sw. if the plug is not in too bad of shape. If it was a cut or open wire splice it back together.
You can also run a wire with a push button switch and fuse on it to the solenoid.

 

Neutral safety switch. On the driver side of the tranny. Most likely the culprit. 4 wires going into the half circle shaped grey abs plastic box. easy fix , i would try that..