Engine cranks ignition one

[Woody123]

02 Sierra 2500hd 8.1 turn key to first click and starter cranks over engine starts and starter stays engaged.

[davester]

That sounds like an issue with the cylinder/switch setup in the steering column, or possibly a wiring issue (two wires rubbed through, and it happens to make the computer think it's in the "start" position when it's in the first spot.  But I would lean towards the first thing.

 

But I would try testing the circuity prior to replacing it, to verify that it's the problem.

[Woody123]

Thanks for responding, I have the ignition +wiring to it exposed what should I be looking for? The starter relay has power to the two wires on one side -and when key is on 1st position and I plug in relay the starter cranks over and starts engine -but stays engaged!

[Woody123]

Also I have tried a different relay- exsposed wiring from relay up to back of intake so far no touching wires.

[davester]

I don't know the details of it.  I would suggest getting an online subscription to the full-service manual for your truck, it's relatively cheap and has everything, like how to figure out this problem, pinouts on connectors, description of the wiring harness, how the steering column is assembled/disassembled.