ignition issue -- lights won't come on, but cranks

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Wing Bucket

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Had an issue come up, wondering if you have any ideas....

Normally, when you insert the key and turn the ignition forward, you hear a couple clicks, the warning lights come on for a second, the gear indicator and 4x4 indicator light up, and you hear a 4-5 second beep.

The issue: I turn the key forward, but there's no beep and the warning lights don't come on. If I turn it further to start, it just cranks over but doesn't start [which is odd, because when it's working properly, you don't even hear it crank, it just fires right up].

The gear indicator and 4x4 indicator do light up, but no other lights and no beep.

Sometimes I can jiggle the key or move the shifter into gear and back to park, and that makes the lights and beep come on. Then I can start.... But that doesn't always work.

The "Security" light doesn't come on, so it doesn't seem light this Passlock sensor issue I keep reading about. But it does seem like some kind of sensor issue.

Any ideas? Thanks!
 

BigWheelinBubba

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Manual Lever Position Sensor on the side of the transmission is out of adjustment or your shift linkage is worn and needs to be repaired.
 
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Wing Bucket

Wing Bucket

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Thanks for the quick reply.

The transmission shop in town thought if the sensor wasn't working right it wouldn't be able to shift from park. They referred me to a couple general auto repair shops in town.

I found some info online about how to adjust the MLPS, but looks like I'd need a special tool to do it.

Any other ideas on how to diagnose? Maybe it does have to do with this Passlock thing....
 

zomeizter

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PRNDL switch only prevents starter operation other than N or P positions, sounds more like your ignition switch is failing.
 
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Wing Bucket

Wing Bucket

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Thought I'd provide an update. Since I know you all have been on the edge of your seat....:gr_grin:

First tried replacing the **** fuses. No luck there, problem still occurred.

Problem happened more and more frequently. Went ahead and replaced ignition switch, and that fixed it! Got new AC Delco switch online for $120 shipped.

Anyway, appears to be resolved. Glad to not be sitting in a hardware store parking lot fighting this anymore!
 

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