I was driving home recently and my truck died just after I pushed in the clutch. So I let off of the clutch hoping it would fire back up like it usually does. But nothing happened. Luckily I wasn't far from my driveway.

After parking it, I tried to start again with the keys but nothing happened. No gages or head lights, but my radio come on still. Any ideas what is the cause? I need to have it running again by Thanksgiving.

 

What vehicle do you own?

 

87 Straight 6, 4x4, Standard

 

That's a strange one. Check fuses and relay box for starters. Then connections.

 

Any chance you have a diagram with the fuses and relays?

 

No, but just below this post is one about the clutch interlock switch on an 89. When you read what wires go into it that he knows about and the fact that this happened when you pushed the clutch, it sounds suspicious. That might be a place to start.

 

Well I think I may have isolated the issue. I got angry and shook the steering wheel while the key was turned, and the gages moved into position. I smacked it again in joy and they cut out. I think that there is a bad connection somewhere within the steering column. I will know more as soon as I replace the ignition lock cylinder and ignition switch. But first I need a steering wheel puller.

 

Do you have to take the steering wheel off on yours ? I thought the ign switch was bolted to the bottom. And the key cylinder should just pop out with a piece of coathanger wire or such.
Been a while since I had an 87 column out though, so I could be wrong on that one.

 

I have to remove it to access the cylinder. The switch I'm not sure about, I haven't checked in depth yet. It's been either too cold or raining to work on it lately.

 

OK, but unless you're pulling the lock cylinder for another reason, there's no electrical to it (other than a little tab for the door chime thing). It just pushes a rod that activates the ignition switch. And if you are pulling it out, look for a little hole underneath with no screw in it. You just put your key in turn it on and shove a stiff piece of wire up there and the cylinder pulls out.
That's how most of them work but like I said it's been a while since I've worked on an 87 column, so I could be out to lunch on that one.