Ignition Switch 1997 Silverado

[crothmeier]

Well after thinking my fuel pump failed again after being replaced two years ago, I figured out my ignition switch was to blame on some advice from my neighbor. How easy are these to change out? Ive never been into the steering column before. I'm fairly mechanically inclined, but this worries me.

any input appreciated!

For those of you wondering how I came to the ignition switch conclusion, here's my story:

My truck hadn't been starting, unless I turned the key on and off a few times. I always listen for the pump to finish before cranking, but half the time my pump wasn't making any noise, or when it did it made one that sounded like it shorted out, not really running. I put the fuel pressure gauge on it, and when the key went to the on position, I got either 0psi or only 20-24psi. After switching the key on and off and cranking I could usually get it to start, and the psi would shoot to 60psi. This went on for 3 days, turning the key back and forth 4-5 times before the fuel pump would kick in to get it to start. VERY ANNOYING.

After the ignition tip from my neighbor tonight, I sat in the truck, turned it to the "on" position and NOTHING, no fuel pump noise, no psi. then I turned it just a little more, without engaging the starter, and hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, on went the fuel pump, with a normal solid humming noise, and 60psi!. I retried that about 10 more times and came to the conclusion that in order for the fuel pump to kick in, I had to go just past the "on" position with the key.

Has anyone else had this happen?

I was a day away from pulling the box off the pickup and checking the pump!

[crothmeier]

Anyone with some experience in this situation?? I've had three options suggested to me. Option 1 is the fuel pump relay which I'm going to replace after work. Option 2 is the key tumbler/cylindar is worn which is a $30 part, or option 3 is a new ignition switch/wiring harness a $200 part..

The truck has been starting with some finagling of the key but its getting harder and harder. Looking to tackle it this weekend any amount of advice would be appreciated. Ill be happy to post the final solution when I get to that point.

Thanks!

[Jeremy airjer W]

Since there is not a specific circuit in the ignition switch for just the fuel pump there must be other symptoms that you may have not noticed. I would say that you are likely on the right track with the ignition switch.

Since you hear the pump power up and the you have fuel pressure the relay would have to be good.

[crothmeier]

Well the relay then doesn't make sense to replace. What else could I look for as far as symptoms of the ignition switch. Everything else seems to turn on except the fuel pump... Radio, heater fan, guages and lights.

I'm grasping for a cheaper fix than the ignition switch! Ha.

[Jeremy airjer W]

check for power at the eng-1 and ecm-1 fuses. These are switched power from the ignition switch. If there is no power to these than your on the right track. Basically these two fuses power up anything with pink power supply wires. Fuel injectors, etc. ECM-1 is also the power supply to the computer that lets it know that you are in the start or run position.

[crothmeier]

Will try that out tonight. Thank-you for the info. Ill let you know how that turns out!

[crothmeier]

Ordered an Ignition Switch. Fixed it. Was hoping it was something easier and cheaper but it is what it is! Did learn a new trick from my mechanic. run the tilt up and down a bunch and hit the steering column with the heel of your palm, it usually can get it started a few times.