I've read a few posts about stuck ignition keys, and some of them hint that this may relate to starting problems. I don't understand enough about what goes on in the ignition switch to figure this out, so I would be grateful if someone could explain it to me.
Here's the problem. The truck is a 1994 Suburban K1500 4WD with
213,000 miles. When the engine is running, it runs very well, but just recently it has failed to start sometimes. The engine turns over, but I get no sounds like ignition is occurring.When it won't start, here's what I can tell you:
1) When the key is in the start position, I can hear something what sounds like a fuel pump. 2) The key got stuck in the ignition last night. It wouldn't come out of the start position. So I could crank it, it wouldn't start, and it would only back off to the run position. 3) As for the stuck key, I tried moving the steering wheel, shifting the transmission (automatic, on the column). This didn't work. 4) This morning, I pulled one of the spark plug wires and turned the engine over, and I have spark. (When I did this test, the engine started, so lack of spark might still be the problem.)The stuck key problem started a few month ago, but I haven't had the problem for quite awhile, so I assumed it was a badly cut key. When the engine wouldn't start a couple of days ago, the key was not sticking. Then last night when the engine wouldn't start, the key was stuck. I had it towed home.
I disconnected the battery last night and gave it a full charge. This morning I hooked it back up. I could hear the fuel pump running.I tested for spark (#4 above), and could see the spark. While doing this, the engine started. I shut it down and the key came out easily.
Is the key and ignition switch the problem? If so, how?
Thanks, Jim