Hey all, I installed a new ignition cylinder in my 88 pickup. Accessory works, radio comes on, etc. When turning the key to start, the starter relay does not engage and there is no click or crank.

Old ignition cylinder works fine..curious why new one doesn't crank the engine.

 

Did you replace the ignition switch, the key cylinder lock, or both?

It is possible your new part is defective. A bad connection or a miswired switch is possible. Why did you replace it in the first place?

 

I do not have my old one on hand, so I can't recall if there is a torsion rod between the cylinder and switch. If it requires one and it's not there that's going to be an issue.

In some cases the cylinder only goes in in one position, in some others the switch has a spring at the back side of the switch (you just cycle the key through the positions and when the shaft matches the switch it clicks in. (I do not remember which this is)

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You basicly need to do a comparison of the old and new parts, which avails the opportunity to verfiy your work as you pull it out, are there any dimensions or anything obviously different? (Quality control isn't what it used to be. We have "all" seen new in box parts that doesn't meet spec due to improper package (wrong part, right box). This can happen anywhere between manufacturer and fitting it to the vehicle. (Well I had three boxes and three parts I dropped them and "think" I got them in the right boxes.. To the box printer sent the wrong packages..)
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Some things you can check after a visual comparison of the old and new parts would be a visual inspection from the switch side of the lock cylinder. Does part A vs B turn to the same place? (Original cylinder in, switch unscrewed from cylinder housing, inspect and Mark the angle on the back side of the cylinder with the key held in start position.. Replace with the new cylinder and compare..) If these don't match you have a faulty or wrong part.. A degree or two here can have drastic results on the ign switch's output.

You can also check things like ig1-2 and STA voltages or resistance without pulling the steering covers off..

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Like mentioned above.. Why are you changing it out. If it's something like a rekey maybe just take the old and new cylinder to the locksmith and have them swap the pins.. (Think these actually use gates?)

 

I just replaced the cylinder, not the entire switch. I had them ship me a new part and this one doesn't work either. I replaced it because the old ignition would accept any key to start it, including flat head screwdrivers. @old87yota

The two switches look pretty identical.

 

I am not sure what is causing your problem and I have never have needed to take my ignition cylinder apart.

Can you spot any differences between the old cylinder and the new cylinders? Look really closely to make sure everything lines back up.

Co_94_PU might be more help than me on this issue.

Good luck!

 

Old thread but since the lock cylinder was so worn i wonder if the electrical switch was in the correct position when the lock cylinder was installed .

so the electrical switch never closes in the crank position but the lock cylinder feels like it does

I have one pick up I never got around to replacing the lock cylinder I just use a flat screw driver in the switch