Starting Problem

[2000superduty]

I have a issue with my truck starting up sometimes. When the key is turned, all the lights in the dash come on as normal but when i twist the key to start the truck nothing happens. It would be just like trying to start the truck with no starter. This is not every time. I would say that this happens once out of every 15-20 times i start the truck. Sometimes i turn the key on and off a few times and it cranks up. Sometimes it seems that if i hold the key on to start and i bang on the steering column, it will start. Is this a possible ignition switch problem? I didn't know if there were any common problems with this happening so i figured i would ask. Thanks.

[Sticker Monster]

ignition switch would be my guess.

SM

[NoRalPh]

I would think more likely the Neutral Safety Sw (NSSW) being out of adjustment.

Here's what I would do next time it happens,,, Lift-up on the shift selector (past P) or try the Neutral position. If that doesn't do it try other places (this IS a common problem).

Often cured by tightening the two torx bolts at the bottom of the shift tube, up above the brake pedal, where the "L" bracket transitions the tube to the cable. Next could be the NSSW itself, located on the transmissions selector input.

If that doesn't do it (or you have a 6spd, which means I'd look at the Clutch Safety sw) you could go into the column and look at the Ign Sw...

[2000superduty]

Thanks for the help. I will check out the bolts at the bottom of the tube and see what it looks like.

[Tj Krawler]

When you turn the key to on, all the lights come on, right? When you turn the key to "start" do they go off? If they do, that should mean the ignition switch is working.

If it's not the neutral safety switch, mine had almost identical symptoms. Started out as about once a month and started getting more common. Ended up putting on a new starter and relay. It has been good since.

[2000superduty]

I may have found my issue. Truck wouldn't start at work today. I turned the key and nothing, the lights do go off when i turn the key. This time i held the key on and tried to move the shifter around, nothing changed. I moved the steering column around and nothing. I hit near the bottom of the dash and it started. I should have thought about this sooner but at some time the previous owner installed a Silencer Starter Disable Alarm. It was in the area of this thing that i hit and the truck started. I believe i am going to remove this thing this weekend and see what happens.