Ignition switch won't work all the time. What's wrong with it?

[RJC2]

A friend has a 99 2500 CTD with 129K miles. He is having problems starting it. Sometimes it will start first try, other times he tuns the key and nothing happens and will have to cycle the key 2 to 20 times before it will turn over and start. Has anyone else experienced this?

[dripley]

not that i like seeing any body with a problem but when i saw the post and the poster i thought you cant buy a break. glad its not you RJ but i am sorry for your friend. my brothers chevy did that and it turned out to be the switch. the dealer told him he had to many keys hanging on his key ring. mine weighs about 3/4# so idont knowhow much truth ther is in that. could jus be a loose or bad connection in the wiring,

[RJC2]

I too thought it might be the switch, but told him I would check this site, as if it were a common problem someone might help. Thanks

[Wild and Free]

Its not an uncommon problem. I would check the connection at the base of the column as well as the pins inside the connectors. The 3rd gens are highly notorious for having burned pins inside the connections. I have also heard of bad wires in the area where the column tilts. Imagine what happens when you take a piece of wire and bend it back and forth many times. they can weeken and break. Has he tried starting it while holding the key in start position and tilting the column?

[RJC2]

I am not sure if he has tried it or not but will ask, and tell him to check the wires and connectors. Thanks for the advice.

[clutch]

The key could be wore down from being in his pocket with other metal objects. The second key may work better. If not I would say the switch is shot. I had to have a fresh key made for my 88 Ford Ranger.

[John T]

IF memory serves me right, I think that's the same way mine acted when the starter contacts failed.It's been a while, so I may be way off base. Just a thought.

[chllngr528]

^ good advice. Check the stater relay, check your connections at the bottom of the column, and the starter contacts.

[Dave3500]

Sometimes it seems my ign won't allow my fan to work. It's been fine lately tho.:pray:I did also hear about not allowing to much weight from keys hanging in the ignition.

[IBMobile]

What people call the ignition switch is generally made up of three components. First is the key and tumbler. This is the locking portion. next is the bolt that locks the steering column. Last is the ignition switch which is the electrical portion of the whole assembly. Now as for to much weight on the key ring, pick up your key ring and hold the ignition key between your thumb and for finger and fell how heavy it is. That's how much weight that key is applying to the tumblers and cylinder. Now drive down a bumpy road and that heavy key ring is bouncing up and down pulling the ignition key with it. Premature failure.

[kalder]

If everything is working except the starter not engaging, also check the starter relay, and the clutch switch (if it's a stick).

[Mopar1973Man]

Ok now I can help a bit more that I got the articles moved over... Starter Contacts http://articles.mopar1973man.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=124:starter-contact-replacement&catid=26&Itemid=107 Starter Specs http://articles.mopar1973man.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=123:starter-operation-and-specs&catid=26&Itemid=107