davidkroberts
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Well I had an intresting problem with my M1009 this morning. Should have been easy but it was hard to track the problem down. Ive been running the electrical gremlins out of the truck since i picked it up the day before yesterday.
So the key would move and light the dash and gauges up but wouldnt engage the starter. I jumped the relay using the big red and purple wires so i knew the starter was good. I replaced the starer relay and that didnt fix it. Then i moved on to the fuses which all checked operational. I then removed the two mounting bolts that hold the steering column to the dash assembly. On top of the column is a plastic and metal piece about 6 inches long with two wiring assembly plugs going into it. Thats your ignition switch (advance auto parts #CS84 $13.29) I pulled the plugs and replaced it. That didnt fix it either. On install make sure you remount the switch with the metal rod where it can actuate the switch. Also the bright light switch for the headlights is also mounted using the same holes so make sure it goes in just like it came out.
On toward the base of the steering column where it goes into the firewall is a white plastic piece with two blue wires and a green one going into it. Thats your neutral safety switch. It is removed by simply pulling up on it and it unsnaps from the column. make sure the plastic tap is unbent and the switch moves freely. (mine was bent and was ridding on top of the shaft). When reinstalling run your finger along the top of the grove the switch sits in and feel for the cutout. Carefully replace the switch without crushing the tab and snap it back in place. Im sure you can just bypass the switch by splicing the wires but fixing it correctly takes the same effort. For replacement the Neutral Safety switch is part #S9168 at Advance Auto Parts and runs about 20.00. That tab is very thin and flexible and i can see it causing lots of problems as the truck ages. Its a very shabby design.
So the key would move and light the dash and gauges up but wouldnt engage the starter. I jumped the relay using the big red and purple wires so i knew the starter was good. I replaced the starer relay and that didnt fix it. Then i moved on to the fuses which all checked operational. I then removed the two mounting bolts that hold the steering column to the dash assembly. On top of the column is a plastic and metal piece about 6 inches long with two wiring assembly plugs going into it. Thats your ignition switch (advance auto parts #CS84 $13.29) I pulled the plugs and replaced it. That didnt fix it either. On install make sure you remount the switch with the metal rod where it can actuate the switch. Also the bright light switch for the headlights is also mounted using the same holes so make sure it goes in just like it came out.
On toward the base of the steering column where it goes into the firewall is a white plastic piece with two blue wires and a green one going into it. Thats your neutral safety switch. It is removed by simply pulling up on it and it unsnaps from the column. make sure the plastic tap is unbent and the switch moves freely. (mine was bent and was ridding on top of the shaft). When reinstalling run your finger along the top of the grove the switch sits in and feel for the cutout. Carefully replace the switch without crushing the tab and snap it back in place. Im sure you can just bypass the switch by splicing the wires but fixing it correctly takes the same effort. For replacement the Neutral Safety switch is part #S9168 at Advance Auto Parts and runs about 20.00. That tab is very thin and flexible and i can see it causing lots of problems as the truck ages. Its a very shabby design.
