Help! 78 Chevy ignition switch question

[Deangarth86]

My dad just gave his old 78 Chevy 1/2 ton to fix up. the truck was parked 10 years ao because the ignition switch went out, and dad just bought a new diesel for the farm. the problem is that the key will turn from the lock position all the way to the on pos., but not to the start position. so the only way to start it is with a srewdriver arcing accros the ignition seleniod on the fender.

what i need is a picture/diagram of the steering column to find out if i need a new key switch. i need to know if it has a linkage from the key to a switch( like my 99 Ford does) or if it is all in the key switch like my 64 ford had. and i need to know how to replace it. if i need to take the steering wheel off, or what.

and information would be helpful. my plan is to fix up the truck and kinda restore it. rebuild the engine, and fix the body (has alot of dents and a lil rust), and get it painted.

[03chevy]

here is a pic of the ing. switch thats all you need to fix that problem.

[03chevy]

here is the ing. switch how to.
Ignition SwitchInspect|Test|ReplaceThe ignition switch is usually mounted to the steering column and is operated by a linkage rod.

NOTE

On column-mounted ignition switches, don't confuse the switch with the lock cylinder and keys. The ignition switch is not normally visible.
On some vehicles, the steering column support has to be removed and the column lowered to find the ignition switch. On others, the switch is accessible under the dash.



The ignition switch is operated by the key switch. Courtesy of Ford Motor Company.
To replace the switch:

• Remove the ignition switch wiring harness.
• Unbolt it from its position.
• Bolt the new switch into position.
• Attach the witing harness.

[03chevy]

here is on the lock ing. cyl.
Lock-Ignition (Cylinder and Keys)Inspect|ReplaceTo remove the ignition lock:

CAUTION

You must remove the steering wheel when replacing the ignition lock. On vehicles with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system, you must temporarily disable the SIR system and remove the inflator module when removing the steering wheel. Leaving the SIR system on could result in deployment of the air bag and possible personal injury.

• Disconnect the negative battery cable, and remove the steering wheel.
• Remove the bumper and the carrier snapring retainer from the steering shaft.
• Use a lock plate compressor screw tool to install the lock plate compressor screw in the upper steering shaft. To keep the shaft from telescoping, tighten it to 40 inch lbs.
• Using the lock plate compressor tool, install on the upper steering shaft, tighten it to depress the shaft lock. Remove the shaft lock retainer, the compressor tool and the steering shaft lock.
• Remove the turn signal canceling cam assembly. Put the turn signal switch in the "N" position and remove the upper bearing spring.
• Position the turn signal switch so the mounting screws can be removed through the holes in the switch and remove the turn signal lever.
• Remove the turn signal switch-to-steering column screws and lift the turn signal switch. Remove the wire protector and disconnect the turn signal switch connector.
• Use a terminal remover tool to disconnect the buzzer switch wires from the turn signal switch connector. Remove the buzzer switch assembly with needle-nose pliers.
• Place the lock cylinder in the ACC position, then remove the lock retaining screw and the lock cylinder set.
• To install the new cylinder lock, reverse the removal procedures.
• Tighten the lock retaining screw to 22 inch lbs., the turn signal switch screws to 59 inch lbs. and turn the turn signal lever screw to 53 inch lbs.
• As part of the final replacement procedures, check the operation of the switches and the steering column.

The steering wheel is splined to the steering column and held in place by a nut. Courtesy of General Motors Corporation - Service Operations.

[Deangarth86]

hey thanks, guys. i tested the ignition switch today and the truck will turn over, so the ignition switch aint my problem its in the key swich.

so i took off the stering wheel and behond the wheel is a black metal plate that has grooves all around it. i tried pullin on it and prying on it with a srewdriver but it don't move at all. so should i get a gear puller and pull it off? or how does it come off?

[87c10slammer]

if its like my truck the 87 there is a snap ring and a collar that you have to remove.. you need a puller to remove it. its real easy after that other then the fact that you have to remove everything infront of it....

[Deangarth86]

y athere was a lil snap ring in front of it,had to get a tool to comress the spring behind the plate andtake of the lil ring.

got it all put back together and now she wil turn over, but now im not geting any gas to my carb. so i think i gott abad fuel pump or a plugged line

[87c10slammer]

fuel pump is on the side of the block... i would just get an electric on and by pass the old one