I picked up a 87 mits might max 4 x 4 truck for a daily driver. I purchased the truck from a wrecker and the trucks ignition key is all messed up. On the mighty max does the key/tumbler come out? I can't find just the key/tumbler on the net. The only thing I can find is the ignition switch wiring harness... http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/de...85c7ab9e&gan=1

And I drove the truck home tonight using a screw driver to start the truck up. I stop at several places and the truck started right up. Tried to start the truck at my house and the starter just spins. I banged the start a few time hoping to help the starter engage with no luck. Could the broken ignition key be causing the starter to spin freely?

Thanks......

Dave

 

so when you stab the screw driver in the cylinder, the starter itself spins but does not engage the flywheel?

if that is the case, the ignition cylinder has nothing to do with that problem. It is the bendix in the starter no throwing the gear into the flywheel to spin the motor

 

cbrahs thanks for the quick response. It is very strange that the starter was working great and now it's spinning like crazy...

Anyone know how to get the ignition key/tumbler out of the column? I know there must be a trick.....? I removed the wire harness from the back of the keyed part. Thanks.....

 

And the only other problem I just found....... When I get inside the truck and hit the brakes the dash lights and heater panel lights come on. Also the passenger side running light comes on. All tail lights, turn signals and brake lights work with no issues...

 

sounds like it is back feeding somewhere. start checking for wires that are chaffed. PM me the info on the truck. I will look in my bag of tricks to see if I can email you the ignition cyl procedure

 

If it has a trailer connector, have a good look at it and its wiring; it's a pretty common place for problems to happen, especially right inside the connector where it may be full of mud or water. Check for a bad ground in the taillight area. Also give the brake light bulbs a good inspection to make sure the two filaments inside each bulb aren't touching each other.

 

Thanks everyone for the posts. I took the starter out today and had NAPA check it. I checked out good. I lubed up the shaft on the starter. Installed and it worked fine.....


The truck is a 87 Mitsubishi Mighty Max. 2.6 engine. 4 x 4, speed...

Good idea torquefan. I noticed a trailer 4 flat connection on the rear today. I will check that as well as bulbs and possible bar wires....

 

To get the cylinder lock cylinder out, take off the plastic cover around the col. Look at the lock cyl housing on one side you will see a small round button looking thing, place the lock in the "ACC" position and push that button in while pulling on the lock cylinder, it should come right out.

 

Thanks Chris......!!!

 

I had a 1990 Mighty Max in high school. Great truck, never had a problem with it. 3.0 v6 with 4x4 200,000 on the clock when sold and it still ran great.

 

I had 2 of those little trucks, man I miss them. 300k and never a problem