Ignition Switch Short?

Buzz · Post by **Buzz** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 8:19 pm

Hello all.
I went to start my truck tonight after resealing the oil cooler leak I had. When I hit the starter button, she turner over very slowly and then stopped. I have weak headlights like one does when the batteries are drained. But, these are optimas that are 16 months old. So, I dont think they are bad. What I did notice was that after I had returned the ignition key to the off postion and pulled it out, the dash warning lights (low oil and alternator) stayed on. They only went out when I pulled the dog bone. They went back on when the dog bone was turned back on.
My guess is the ignition switch (key switch) has gone bad. Agree? - Thanks, Buzz

Erik712m · Post by **Erik712m** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 9:06 pm

Batteries need charged

undysworld · Post by **undysworld** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 2:11 pm

The first thing I'd do is shut off the main power switch, disconnect the batteries -one from another, so they're separate 12v batteries essentially - and fully charge them. THEN I'd see if there's any problem. I also suspect a dead battery.

My truck seems to have trouble keeping an even charge between the two batteries. New batteries or not. I have a battery equalizer installed, for what it's worth. The problem seems to be worse if the truck sits without use for a while (gasp!). I always leave the main power switched off when I leave it sit for days. I also make it a practice to charge the batteries every 3 months or so, whether they need it or not, prophylactically you might say. I hate a dead truck.

And - no offense to Optimas - they do have a warranty on the batteries, and it doesn't guarantee that they won't fail. It only guarantees that they'll fix things if it does fail. You might, maybe have a bad battery.

Or you might have a bad switch.

Or worse

Good luck. Paul

Buzz · Post by **Buzz** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 7:47 pm

Thanks Paul,
I'll check it out.

Buzz · Post by **Buzz** » Sat Aug 04, 2007 9:44 pm

Resolved the problem today. I recharged the batteries and the truck started normally except the dash lights came on as soon as the dog bone was turned on. After the truck was warmed up, I went to shut it down and it kept running even after I turned off the key and removed it from the ignition switch. It ran for five more minutes before shutting down on its own. Ipulled the master switch and removed the ignition switch from the dash. I sprayed it out with electrical contact cleaner while moving the switch back and forth between on and off. Then I blew it out with compressed air. Now it works fine and shuts down when I turn off the key.
But, now I pull the master when I leave it for any time...