Ignition switch?

[burnhedge]

92 k3500 6.5 TD. Yesterday I had a couple issues with the starter solenoid not engaging and/or glow plug light not coming on when starting.
This morning I go out and everything is dead like the batteries had been disconnected. After checking the simple stuff;batteries, grounds, fuses,etc. I decide it's likely a bad ignition switch.

I unbolt the steering column and pull it down, suddenly everything starts working again and engine starts fine. So I start hunting for any damages wires that may be grounding out or whatever. Can't find anything. Put the column back in place, and you guessed it, dead again. And of course when I drop the column back down it powers up again.
I guess I'm posting to make sure their's no common problems that I'm missing here. Replacing the switch is easy and cheap on this truck but I really don't think it's the issue since it doesn't move when the column comes down and all wires are secure.

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[Bob L]

First thing I would do is be sure all the wires in the switch plug are pushed all the way into the plug. When you lower the column how does it change the way the wires lay? Does it pull them in tension or push them in. With the column bolted up try moving wires around till you get a connection.

 

[burnhedge]

First thing I would do is be sure all the wires in the switch plug are pushed all the way into the plug. When you lower the column how does it change the way the wires lay? Does it pull them in tension or push them in. With the column bolted up try moving wires around till you get a connection.

That was one of the first things I looked at. Couldn't find any loose wires but perhaps some corrosion in the plug itself. Used some spray electronics cleaner on the contacts. Everything is working again but I'm not really confident that it's fixed long term or that the plug is even the issue. It didn't work right off after cleaning the plug.

Tried moving wires around to see if I could get to lose power again. Nope

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Lo

 

[someotherguy]

Is your column tilt, and if so does it have any slop in the tilt area? If so you need to tighten it up before chasing any other causes; the slop will interfere with a lot of things including the travel of the rod that actuates your ignition switch.

There are how-to videos around the net, pictorial write-ups, etc. if you just search for words like "loose GM tilt column"

Richard

 

[burnhedge]

No tilt

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[burnhedge]

Everything worked good today until I parked the truck. All the accessories stayed on with the key in the off position. Had to disconnect the batteries.
Going to put a new switch in this weekend and go from there.

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[Dahead76]

I recently just replaced the ignition switch in my 95 dually with the 6.5 diesel. It wasn't a bad job but a new Ac delco one was over $100. Make sure the connection under the dash is good and tight. Just don't over tighten the bolt. When mind went out it would die going down the road or start missing really bad. Starter wouldn't work sometimes and dash lights would go crazy or wouldn't even work.

 

[someotherguy]

Totally different setup in your 95. New design interior, different column, different switch.

Richard