does this mean my ignition switch is shot?

[Combat Chuck]

So I got home from my second workout yesterday morning, parked my truck in the yard and started some homework, come back that evening to leave for class, and as I turn the switch, all I get is the starter solenoid clicking. Confused, since I didn't leave any lights on, I began to check around for why my battery would be dead.
Then I got a jump, and the truck turned over (slowly, I must add, I think I'm due for new battery cables) anyway, in the process, I found that the power light for my power inverter was on the whole time, and this got me thinking.

I wired in my own source for the inverter off the switched section of the block, but if my inverter was on all day, does this mean my ignition switch is dying, since it didn't shut the block off entirely?
There are other problems that may prove this, sometimes the switch gets stuck in "start", and sometimes it doesn't find the "ACC. On" position, could all these factors mean that I may have to get myself a new ignition switch pretty soon?

 

[Bogo]

If you are running the power for your inverter through the ignition switch, you are highly likely overloading it which will cut it's life expectancy. Use a relay, or direct wire it with it's own switch.

Things to remember to do

• A heavy load like an inverter should always be wired back to the load center in the engine compartment, or battery. Fuse the supply wire for the inverter at the load center or battery.
• With a heavy load like and inverter, run a ground wire back from it to the battery.
• use a large enough wire gauge for the inverter's maximum draw on both the supply and ground wires.
• Use a large enough relay or switch to switch the inverter's load.

You can find a suitable circuit in the FSM for your truck. The headlight or horn circuits provide good templates for the circuit.

This PDF file has a bunch of good stuff on relays including pinouts.
DigitalCrowd - Internet Solutions and Support.

A note: Relays do draw some power when activated, but they lessen the cost of high current switches. Solidstate relays draw allot less power to power the switch, but cost allot more, and may need a heatsink for cooling.

 

[72rockcruiser]

Ck this out too:


Starter problem solved! - Pirate4x4.Com Bulletin Board

 

[Combat Chuck]

good stuff no know, I will look into reworking some of the wiring.

 

[Tools R Us]

Sounds like starter solenoid contacts are worn out to me? This is a common wear item on Denso starters and easy to replace.

 

[Tools R Us]

Toyota/Chrysler/Mitsubishi - Nippon Denso Starter Solenoid Repair