LUVTruck.com

in my 79 luv i put the egnition switch out of my 77 luv (the only key i had). Sometimes when you turn the switch the lights and everyting comes on like its supposed to do and nothing. Then sometimes it will crank up and when you let of the key it cuts off? The reason it wont crank sometimes is because the cylinoide isnt getting any juice for some reason and when i put a connector wire between the battery and the cylinoide it will crank. Something is very wrong anyone have any diagnosis??? Please.

i would start by just cleaning the terminals on the back of the ignition tumbler. Then clean up the conections on the fuse block.

_________________
1980 LUV 4x4, going under re-construction...

i checked the wires, checked the fuses, cleaned the fuse box, and the back of the egnition switch. When i had it in the 77 luv it worked like a charm.

XL will probably know for sure, but if the LUV has a starter solenoid like the rest of the Chevys then, the connection across it from the battery to the starter motor is a big copper washer that connects the contacts when the key is turned to Start. Sometimes these washers get a burnt spot from arcing and this keeps the full cranking amps from turning the starter motor. I've fixed many with a fine file to clean up the washer.

The question is did the 79 do this before or not? The solenoid on the starter sounds like the culprit to me really. On mine when they start to go bad they tend to act about the way you describe. It might click and not spin, or it might just not click or anything. It could also be the wiring or connections at the starter itself. Pull them loose and reconnect them, it might just be a connection like Robertcda was talking about.

If you really suspect the ignition switch, pull it out and test it. The best way would be to use a multimeter or continuity tester, but you could just stick it back in the 77 and see if the problem follows it.