Think I've Got A Starter Switch Problem

agg2001 · August 14, 2011

drove the truck to the local valero the other day, and everything worked fine going there. walked out after buying additional drinking supplies, and i didn't have my gear indicator or ac. still runs, and starts... but while running, the gear indicator "window" is dead, the ac system is dead, and the battery light is on in the "message window" or whatever it's called. :|

in the "aux" position, the gear indicator "area" lights up and i see my odo and all that, but the second i turn it to on it shuts off. and the ac won't work. my neighbor and i are assuming that it's a bad starter switch, but i have no idea. i've broken the dash down so all the plastics and stuff are off, but i can't figure anything out after that. i assumed it would be a switch with a harness, but it's hardwired into the switch. all the wires look healthy, and all my fuses are good. checked 100% of the fuses under the hood, and next to the driver's side door. i did an ohm test on the orange wire that runs to the blower motor, and i'm getting no reading - the meter stays at 1. when i test the orange line on the blower motor side, and the red/white wire on the switch, it reads 0. is there a chance there's something between the starter switch and the gear indicator and blower/ac power?

please help - this is my only means of transportation and in houston, i MUST have an ac or else i'm gonna smell like a dead otter for my client meetings. thanks in advance for the help!!!!

drknow90rs · August 14, 2011

I would definately be looking at the starter switch. Also the relays for accessory power. The switch is not actually hardwired, It has a connector inside the column, IIRC. Sometimes the easiest way to figure out something like this is to go to your local auto parts store, order a new one and then look at how that one is.

agg2001 · August 14, 2011

i'm guessing THIS is the harness...

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/B...&vi=1399507

redvett · August 14, 2011

Diagnose the ign switch first and see if the switch is bad. Use your test light and check ALL fuses and the start circuit before replacing expensive, the wiring diagrams are in the FSM.

agg2001 · August 14, 2011

Diagnose the ign switch first and see if the switch is bad. Use your test light and check ALL fuses and the start circuit before replacing expensive, the wiring diagrams are in the FSM.

i don't know what most of that means... how would i do this? and where is the "fsm?"

redvett · August 14, 2011

FSM is Factory Service Manual and not a Hynes or Chilton there too generic. Since you dont know what a test light is or how to use it take it to a shop and save your self money.

agg2001 · August 14, 2011

FSM is Factory Service Manual and not a Hynes or Chilton there too generic. Since you dont know what a test light is or how to use it take it to a shop and save your self money.

probably not a terrible idea - would save me some time no doubt- but i am very comfortable with a wrench and wiring. just have never had to diagnose an electrical problem on the truck. i've built 2 CMRA supersport race bikes from the frame up though... so i'm not scared - nor worried. (plus it doesn't hurt to have an ASE mechanic as a neighbor that's already helped me narrow my problem down and offered to help me fix it for a couple cans of snuff)