jvazquez53
El Tractor
Since yesterday, I've noticed that every time I turn the key all the way to the right in the ignition, nothing happens for a second or two. After trying a couple more times, the truck starts. Could the switch be going bad???
Is my Ignition Switch Going Bad???
- Thread starter jvazquez53
- Start date
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Mine did the same thing for a while, and it seemed to be a corrosion & grounding issue and not the switch itself. I replaced the fusible links and all cables with a set from Urban Land Cruiser, along with an Optima Red, and it's been perfect since. YMMV.
Could be, but these seem to have issues with the starter (plunger and contacts). Good write-up in the FAQ.
jvazquez53
El Tractor
- Thread starter
- #5
I remember having a similar problem with an FJ40 I had, however it happened so long ago, around 15 years ago that I cannot remember all the details. I believed I replaced this part. Before I start tearing down, can someone tell me is there are any electrical contacts in this item??
jvazquez53
El Tractor
- Thread starter
- #6
Since yesterday, I've noticed that every time I turn the key all the way to the right in the ignition, nothing happens for a second or two. After trying a couple more times, the truck starts. Could the switch be going bad???
It does a loud click, not like the one when the starter goes bad...
I remember having a similar problem with an FJ40 I had, however it happened so long ago, around 15 years ago that I cannot remember all the details. I believed I replaced this part. Before I start tearing down, can someone tell me is there are any electrical contacts in this item??
There are no electrical contacts in this item, this item is the key cylinder. The electrical switch is in the end of this item, When the cylinder is removed you can use a screw driver to turn the electrical switch.
Jose, the loud click probably is the solenoid (Ford type ones) you have for the starter have "complete" 12v. I have a similar situation that in sometimes I turn the ignition on the truck does the "starter click" but not the crank. I still have doubts if its the starter or the ignition since sometimes I play with the key and turns on ok and there are other times when I have to use a plank to tap the starter...
ardentyota
Flexy
Start Cheap-
Replace cables from Battery to block and to starter (No need to go OEM, you can upgrade these with welding cable, speaker cable or whatever you want).
Starter contacts if they haven't been done
Then do the switch if the problem is still there.
I did these out of order-
I started with the contacts- they were worn, but did not solve my problem. (~$40 USD)
Then I went to the ignition switch (IIRC, $95 USD?). I disassembled the old one and it didn't look bad at all- the contacts were still pretty shiny and mostly clean. This didn't solve my problem.
Finally, I upgraded the battery cables to the block and starter (~$15) this completely solved my problem and the truck starts easy and strong each time. I wish I had started here.
Good luck!
Replace cables from Battery to block and to starter (No need to go OEM, you can upgrade these with welding cable, speaker cable or whatever you want).
Starter contacts if they haven't been done
Then do the switch if the problem is still there.
I did these out of order-
I started with the contacts- they were worn, but did not solve my problem. (~$40 USD)
Then I went to the ignition switch (IIRC, $95 USD?). I disassembled the old one and it didn't look bad at all- the contacts were still pretty shiny and mostly clean. This didn't solve my problem.
Finally, I upgraded the battery cables to the block and starter (~$15) this completely solved my problem and the truck starts easy and strong each time. I wish I had started here.
Good luck!
jvazquez53
El Tractor
- Thread starter
- #10
Problem solved. Left the switch, added a start button, the way the mechanic wired it was that I put the key in the on position, push the button and off it goes. When the key is in the off position the button receives no electricity. Reason I went this way, is that I did not liked the price of the new switch, all together including labor I spent $65.00, besides removing the switch is a PITA!.
cool, would like to see some photos and some part numbers of the pieces you had to buy? im sure over time there will be many more people with busted up ignition switches on their ever aging trucks!! 
jvazquez53
El Tractor
- Thread starter
- #12
cool, would like to see some photos and some part numbers of the pieces you had to buy? im sure over time there will be many more people with busted up ignition switches on their ever aging trucks!!
For part numbers I just went to Pep Boys, grabbed a heavy duty start switch, some connectors and some #12 gauge wire. From there on it was the mechanic that did the magic. The one on the Ebay link is the one I'll get eventually. The one on the Doorman link is the one I have.
PUSH BUTTON START KIT Ignition Engine Starter RED LED: eBay Motors (item 320600838942 end time Nov-07-10 01:33:50 PST)
Dorman Products - 86915
