Steering Column Replacement Question

[zirk]

Hey all, I'm really stumped here . Over the past few days I've been working off and on on replacing the steering column in my truck. Today I finally got the new steering column in, I hooked all the wires up and bolted it in. I went to start it, but when you turn the key nothing happens. The horn and everything works. Just not the key. I was wondering if anyone has done this and had the same problem?

Thanks in advance.

[Dsquared]

if you have an automatic trans,check your neutral safety switch. also move your shifter around and see if it will crank. if its a manual tran,still check your neutral safety switch.

[zirk]

Originally Posted by Dsquared

if you have an automatic trans,check your neutral safety switch. also move your shifter around and see if it will crank. if its a manual tran,still check your neutral safety switch.

Where is the neutral safety switch?

[motornut]

on top of the colume...my 79

[zirk]

The new steering column must be from an earlier model. The po got it from a junk yard. Down by the firewall there is no plug for the yellow/purple cords. My dad tried to just twist the wires together to see if it would start. I guess thats a way to bypass? But anyways it didn't work.





The old column has the plug though.

[motornut]

Might be a standard colum
Can you use the old switch
Posted via Mobile Device
If it is it won't have shift notches
RND21

[spencer_41188]

i gutted a s10 column and replaced most of my column in my 87 theres a rod on the ignition side of the column that goes to a box on the column under the dash the rod may be in that box wrong you may wont to drop the column again and take your time with putting the box on, the rod is bent 90* and goes into a slot in the box move the slot with a screwdriver make shure it works if not use your old switch

the yellow and purple wires are for the clutch pedel switch

[zirk]

I checked all the wires, and did the box thing. Still no dice. My dad's friend suggested a push button, but I don't really want one... Could the problem be in the fuse box? There is some rigged up wire running into one of the wires.. I'm no man for wiring, sorry for all the questions.

[chengny]

Is the problem confined to starter operation or is it also affecting the ignition circuits?

IOW - if the key is in the "run" position does everything else seem normal (heater fan will run, radio plays, wipers operate, directionals, etc.)? If so the problem may be the actual ignition switch (behind the key).

There are no fuses in the starter circuit - and don't worry, the wiring at the fuse box looks okay.

Follow this flow chart:

[zirk]

Originally Posted by chengny

Is the problem confined to starter operation or is it also affecting the ignition circuits?

IOW - if the key is in the "run" position does everything else seem normal (heater fan will run, radio plays, wipers operate, directionals, etc.)? If so the problem may be the actual ignition switch (behind the key).

There are no fuses in the starter circuit - and don't worry, the wiring at the fuse box looks okay.

Follow this flow chart:

It must be the ignition. Because it does none of the above when in the run position.

[velonut]

Keep us posted...I am running into the same thing !!! Even with the safety switch jumped it will not start until I move the shifter...I am sure I have the correct wires jumped, purple on one connector and green on the other.

[velonut]

Check the ignition switch (not the keyed part but the electrical portion) on top of the column...adjusted mine and presto, back in business.

[spencer_41188]

this is what i was refering to as the box there is a multi position switch in it and you can adjust it some what but you can also put the rod in it wrong and there is also thisin my truck when i bought it the key would only turn to the run position not to start and the key was a pain to put in and take out they installed a push buttion to start the truck straight to the battery insted of fixing the problem it just so happioned they took apart the column to do somthing and didnt put things back right and they lost a turn signal kick off spring it was so anoying to turn a corner and have to turn off the turn signal