Starting issue

[IowaTom]

Guys - I replaced my steering column with a rebuilt tilt unit that works great.  Did this after my key mechanism fell to pieces on the old, non-tilt with wiggly steering wheel.  :-)

My 300 six does not have an access 'hole' for a mechanical pump, so I'm using an electric one.

I find when I key over to start the pump (for priming when she's sat a week or two) then turn the key to fire the engine, I get a click and - of all things - the dome light goes out.  Key off and try again, nothing.  I have to disconnect a battery cable and once re-connected, the truck will fire off.

Is my issue in the rod actuated column switch?  I've followed Gary's help page on lining it up, but this one's got me stumped.

[mat in tn]

I would not be surprised if you have not already answered your own question. you disrupted the ground and it restarted. clean the connections and you might want to replace the ground cable for reliability.

[mat in tn]

I would not be surprised if you have not already answered your own question. you disrupted the ground and it restarted. clean the connections and you might want to replace the ground cable for reliability.

[IowaTom]

Thank you, Matt!

I think bad grounds is the "poltergeist" of amateurs.  :-)

[mat in tn]

suspecting it is easy. locating it can be tough . when in doubt start with the battery posts and work back toward the load.

[IowaTom]

I'd had a ground cable easy disconnect gizmo and took it off, replacing it with a typical ground cable.  It seems to have done the trick.  Thanks, Mat!

[BigBrother-84]

I had this exact same “click-no-start-yellowish-dome-light” issue.
Replaced the battery ground cable, that was the problem.

Glad to hear it worked for you too!

[Gary Lewis]

Yep, glad you got it fixed.