First off I'd like to say I refer to DTR for anything that involves my truck, so many helpful people and threads already. I was hoping to get some information about a wiring problem on my 1990 W350.

So like all of these trucks, the fusible links went bad, so I replaced them with a MAXI fuse box from an Integra, that seemed to solve the problem of my truck not starting at all (turns out the link connected to the FSS had burnt up)

Then my truck would occasionally not start with the key. So i replaced the lock cylinder thinking that could be the problem, but there was no difference. Then I completely removed the clutch safety switch and crimped the wires together to simulate that the clutch was constantly depressed. This worked for a while. But then one day, the truck wouldn't turn over at all. So I took out the stock starter relay, knowing that was a common problem, and wired in a normal 30a Bosch relay.

The truck started great with the new relay wired in for about a week, then one morning nothing. So I put a momentary switch in my dash that runs to the signal for the relay.

All is well, and it starts every time. Now here is my problem, since my truck was manufactured in 1989, but it is a 1990 model year, do I still have an electronic ignition switch? Or is it just lock cylinder? I can not find anything anywhere pertaining to my year, either 1989 only, or 91.5 and up.

So the million dollar question, wiring wise, what year is my truck?

Sorry for the wordy post but I figured I'd lay out everything that I have already done to narrow it down some.

Thanks in advance

 

What does the sticker show for a MFG date? My truck shows May 1990.

The ignition switch is mounted to the key cylinder. Sounds like you need the switch part. Also, have cleaned and tightened all the grounding points, inside the cabin and under the hood?

I do not know of an electronic ignition switch, as there is no key chip to read. Electrical? Yes.

Try this: http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/199...on_switch.html

 

Your best bet would be to get the FSM on CD from Geno's Garage.

You can bet your bippy the ignition switch ain't electronic. You can also expect that some of the connectors are smoked a bit.

You've thrown a lot of parts at it. Please know that proper diagnostics is the fastest and least expensive path to a repair. On electrical things that's usually done with a diagram and a meter.

 

That's what I was referring to, I meant to say electrical.

And my truck says September 1989.

i haven't cleaned the grounds, I will try that in the next day or so and see if that helps

 

This is the correct one right?

http://www.genosgarage.com/1990-DODG.../#.VA8n9PldVe8

 

I love my push-button start and toggle-switch control.

The wife's truck is push-button start, toggle-switch run also.

We never have any troubles; but if we did, trouble-shooting is ever so much easier.

 

Yep. About 1,500 pages.

It's genuine PDF, not scans, so it's searchable, and well indexed.

 

Sounds good to me, thanks everyone for the help!

 

My 90 has a rod that the lock cylinder moves to actuate the ignition switch, which is mounted on the steering shaft assembly, kind of a flat looking thing...Mark

 

Been through almost the exact same thing. Now I have little issues like the cruise no longer working, and I know there are krispy wires all along the harness.
I am continually tempted to yank the harnesses and go through them wire by wire until everything is fixed, but I can't have my truck down that long, especially with winter coming.

 

Mark is right about your ignition switch. I have a 89 and a 90 column and they both have the same switch, with rod from the key tumbler.

 

I posted a link to a replacement switch from Parts Geek in post #2.

Repalcements are not that hard to find, so far.

 

I'm going to order the ignition switch, I could never find it before but now that I know the rod is connected to it, I'll just trace the rod down, pull it out and replace it, that should solve my problem. I could never find any solid information on whether or not my truck even had an ignition switch.

Thanks again for the advice