Smoking ignition switch...scary situation - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

kurts72 · 04-14-2002, 06:23 AM

yesterday I was driving my truck in the middle of nowhere on the interstate in IN at night when I smelled smoke. Smoke was bellowing from under the dash. I shut the truck off and looked underneath at the ingition switch (try doing that on a new truck!) and one of the wires was melted on the switch. I pulled the wire off the switch and then the truck wouldn't turn over. I then touched the wire onto the switch to start the truck then and once running, I pulled the wire off and it kept running.
With the wire off it was ok, no smoking/melting. SCARY. I made it home. I'm assuming the switch is defective after all these years. Maybe the starter should also be replaced which is causing shorting out... Anyone ever had this happen to them? Can one still order ignition switches for these? Thanks, Kurt

oldyeller · 04-14-2002, 06:41 AM

might be something in the starter solenoid, but i bet it is the switch, pull it apart and check it out. as for the switch, you should be able to get one at any parts store, I just got one at autozone for less than $15.

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72 LWB Fleetside C10 Custom 350/350
97 GMC Yukon 4X4 SLT
Anna, Texas

Andy4639 · 04-14-2002, 07:12 AM

Check the connector for the switch. I just did this a week or so ago. The current running through there after 30+ years make them britle.I had no smoke but the truck would just cut off. I pulled it off and the connector had fried and the wires were no longer connecting. Put new spade connectors on and no more problems.

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Andy
71's Are for ever!!! or 67,68,69,70,72

www.geocities.com/chevy71tpi/main.html]

www.picturetrail.com/Andy4639]

Radical Cam · 04-14-2002, 11:50 AM

I had this happen to my ignition switch about a month ago I went to start it and it smoked and then the starter stayed engaged when the truck started I shut it off and pulled out the ignition switch and the then pulled it apart and the contacts inside where all black and burnt. I guess that this just happened from getting old so I went to a parts yard and got another ignition switch then I just switched over the contacts from the ignition switch so that I could still use my same key instead of getting a new one. Hope this helps.

Cam

04-14-2002, 06:23 AM	#1
kurts72 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Durand, IL Posts: 98	Smoking ignition switch...scary situation yesterday I was driving my truck in the middle of nowhere on the interstate in IN at night when I smelled smoke. Smoke was bellowing from under the dash. I shut the truck off and looked underneath at the ingition switch (try doing that on a new truck!) and one of the wires was melted on the switch. I pulled the wire off the switch and then the truck wouldn't turn over. I then touched the wire onto the switch to start the truck then and once running, I pulled the wire off and it kept running. With the wire off it was ok, no smoking/melting. SCARY. I made it home. I'm assuming the switch is defective after all these years. Maybe the starter should also be replaced which is causing shorting out... Anyone ever had this happen to them? Can one still order ignition switches for these? Thanks, Kurt __________________ Kurt in Durand, IL

04-14-2002, 06:41 AM	#2
oldyeller Captain CAAAVVVMMMAAANNN! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Anna Texas Posts: 726	might be something in the starter solenoid, but i bet it is the switch, pull it apart and check it out. as for the switch, you should be able to get one at any parts store, I just got one at autozone for less than $15. ------------------ 72 LWB Fleetside C10 Custom 350/350 97 GMC Yukon 4X4 SLT Anna, Texas __________________ 72 LWB Fleetside C10 Custom 350/350 97 GMC Yukon 4X4 SLT Anna, Texas check out the project old yeller

04-14-2002, 07:12 AM	#3
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Check the connector for the switch. I just did this a week or so ago. The current running through there after 30+ years make them britle.I had no smoke but the truck would just cut off. I pulled it off and the connector had fried and the wires were no longer connecting. Put new spade connectors on and no more problems. ------------------ Andy 71's Are for ever!!! or 67,68,69,70,72 www.geocities.com/chevy71tpi/main.html] www.picturetrail.com/Andy4639] __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

04-14-2002, 11:50 AM	#4
Radical Cam Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Oakbank Manitoba Canada Posts: 73	I had this happen to my ignition switch about a month ago I went to start it and it smoked and then the starter stayed engaged when the truck started I shut it off and pulled out the ignition switch and the then pulled it apart and the contacts inside where all black and burnt. I guess that this just happened from getting old so I went to a parts yard and got another ignition switch then I just switched over the contacts from the ignition switch so that I could still use my same key instead of getting a new one. Hope this helps. Cam



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