1967-72 Chevy & GMC Truck Ignition Switch Troubleshooting, Removal, Replacement and Wiring

Our 1972 Chevrolet Blazer had some intermittent ignition problems, so we called in Dave Welch, the expert in Classic Trucks to help us sort it out. Dave removed the switch, diagnosed the wiring problems and shorted switch, repaired the wiring and replaced the ignition plug and ultimately the bad switch too.
Product Links:
Ignition Switch
www.holley.com...
Ignition Wiring Pigtail
www.holley.com...
Ignition Bezel Tool 69-72
www.holley.com...
Ignition Bezel Tool 67-68
www.holley.com...
Crimping Tool
www.holley.com...
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Facebook: / brotherstrucks

[@alfonzomoore8709]

Excellent demonstration! The most thorough I’ve seen thus far. Thanks for taking the time to show us how to do things the right way!

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Our pleasure!

[@mvega545]

What's that gray part called between the bezel and ignition?

[@greghaig2764]

Dave I just had to replace my IGN SW the hot wire was burnt and the switch didn't come back off the start by it self but I changed it all out but I can't get the tumbler back in any idea what I did wrong?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Sounds like it isn't lined up right. Try and put it in with the key in it because it will make it easier to feel if it's lined up correctly.

[@patrickhowe692]

I've already done this repair but watched and liked anyway just to support Dave and the channel. Because who knows what the next video might be! Keep 'em coming y'all!

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Thanks for that!

[@mikebobbitt5278]

Good video. Enjoy watching Mr Welch for good tips. Thank you.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Thank you Mike!

[@paultribbett7765]

David you should go to my church, there are always lots of gals with car problems,,, great teaching brother,,get it ,, brothers truck parts

[@ChaseFroelich-s7x]

Hello, I was wondering what kind of tool you used to get the ignition out by the key is it like a awl?

[@adriancasias794]

I'm having no crank issue on my 70 C10. Battery is charged and testing at 12.4 volts. Getting 12 volts to the starter and my ignition wire to solenoid terminal is seated correctly. Starter is good I just tested it. I put a test light on the ignition coil fuse and the light goes out when I try to crank it. It's in park and the neutral safety switch is connected. Any ideas for troubleshooting you can add?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Sounds like a bad ignition switch. The switch has a bypass built-in that triggers the coil while cranking. If the switch is bad then the coil gets nothing while cranking.

[@adriancasias794]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV Soooo new starter and new ignition switch didn't make a difference. I bypassed the NSS and it started cranking. I had the steering column dropped because I'm re-wiring and had the instrument cluster out which led me to realize that it was in Reverse and not actually in Park. The NSS was working as it should lol

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

@@adriancasias794 Oh man, that's messed up. At least you figured it out an everything was actually working like it should. Good lesson for all of us to learn from.

[@markfrancomano2389]

So I don't have the key for my old truck. I bought it out of a pasture where it sat for 32 years. How do you remove this without a key?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Cut it out. Use a grinder and take the retaining lip off the front.

[@markfrancomano2389]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV Will this damage the bezel, or the housing behind it?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

@@markfrancomano2389 If you're careful, it will only ruin the retaining bezel and the lock cylinder. However, without the key, the entire thing is trash anyway because you won't be able to remove the cylinder from the switch.

[@davidgriffin6372]

Hello Dave, first time seeing this video and it has directed me in the course of action that I need to pursue first. My 1980 Chevy P30 stepvan with a 350 engine has a similar issue. The alternator belt broke on me and I didn't know until I got in the yard and saw steam. I replaced the belt and when I went to start the engine I got the same smoke and the starter continuously runs after the engine starts. Any advise would be greatly appreciated !! This is a work truck and I need it on the road asap due to health I was forced into an early retirement and I don't have the money for a lot of diagnoses. As I said this is a work truck and I need to supplement the small amount of social security that I am receiving. Thanks again and be blessed. David

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Start by checking and potentially replacing the switch. After that, our only suggestion would be to see if the starter solenoid is causing it to stick and run continuously.

[@markrichards5408]

What if you do not have the ignition key? is there a way around it? I really like your how-to videos. has my interest back in my '70 Stepper!

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Only option then would be to break the trim off around the lock cylinder so you can pull it out without hitting the bezel/nut

[@adriantomlin2902]

Once again, good job Mr Welch! Very helpful info on wiring. Keep up the good videos!!

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@BattleOfBowties]

I can literally watch Dave work all day!

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@donlewis1701]

If I have battery hooked up. Can I check all lights without ignition being on.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

You should be able to check everything except the blinkers without the ignition on.

[@donlewis1701]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV Thank You.

[@donlewis1701]

Great video's. Very informative Were can I get the tool you used for the ignition switch.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

We sell them here: Ignition Bezel Tool 69-72: bit.ly/2DH6rWB Ignition Bezel Tool 67-68: bit.ly/3ibK6zF

[@thetasteofluck]

great video....

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnc.wunscheljr2873]

Mr Welch you make the best helpful videos

[@garyruprecht7215]

These are the best how to do video ever Great job

[@brianswimmer]

I made up my own ignition cover three pronged tool 10 years ago when I couldn't find how they came off or how to get it off. Its interesting I made one pretty similar to that. Thanks for the info and I'll keep continuing to watch and purchase with you guys.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Thank you for watching!

[@brandonmitchell3617]

Hello i have a 65 c10 and when i try to turn it on it starts but as soon as i let go of the key it dies after the key goes back to its resting position

[@sonylarantes4835]

Nice video!. Excuse me, is it posible to remove the ignition switch cylinder without the ignition key? I have lost the key and I can`t remove the cylinder in order to change the key guide.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

You can, it's just a lot more difficult. You'll have to break the stainless steel trim off of the lock cylinder in order to get the switch retaining bezel off.

[@LordApoca]

So how do I get the lock cylinder out if it will not turn in any direction with the key engaged? I'm working on a 71 Blazer and cannot get the lock cylinder to spin so I can remove it

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

You're going to have to break the stainless trim off the front of the cylinder and then you can remove the bezel and the entire switch. Then you'll need to replace the entire setup.

[@ashevillestorys837]

I know this may be a long shot I know you said red is power is they anyway you can tell me what the other wires are I have no smoke and now I'm stuck in a parking lot with some kinda short please sir please can you tell me what the other wires are color and what they are please please please

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Without a wire diagram in front of us it's tough to say what the other wires are. See if you can Google a wiring diagram for this setup.

[@alfonzomoore8709]

I’m having a hard time getting the key cylinder out of the ignition. Ant tips on how to make this a little easier?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

We have a video for that. Search Ignition on our channel and you'll find it.

[@CKID-dv8tq]

Great video I had the same issue in my 68

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Right on!

[@CKID-dv8tq]

BROTHERS Truck Parts keep those videos coming!

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

@@CKID-dv8tq You know we will.

[@sibhagourd4313]

I have a question, I have a 1972 short bed C 10. When I go to start the truck the spring in the ignition that returns the key back once it starts is broken and I have to manually flip it back so I don’t grind the starter. My question is, is the spring in the tumbler or is it in the ignition switch housing? What I mean to ask is can I take the tumbler out like you did, replace the ignition switch and fix the spring issue? I want to avoid getting a new key and had no clue the tumbler came out like that! Thank you so much for showing us. :)

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Yep, pull the tumbler out and replace the switch and you'll be all good.

[@sibhagourd4313]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV thank you sooo much! 🥳

[@marksheffer625]

Thanks David appreciate your attention to the real details, the things that you can mess up if its your first time

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

My pleasure!

[@chadstephenson6948]

Where can I get a reasonably priced tool to crimp the wire connector?

[@tljcott]

Yes, I wondered what clamping tool that is too. And where to buy?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

We grabbed this one at Harbor Freight. You can probably get one on Amazon as well

[@derekormsby798]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV Is there a specific name for that type of crimper? I have an insulated connector crimper but I definitely need that one.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

@@derekormsby798 not certain, we'll have to look into that.

[@philchigges2955]

Wish you would give us more info on those crimpers.like who makes em.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Thanks for pointing out we forgot to add the link in the video description, much appreciated. We sell them, here's the link: Crimping Tool: bit.ly/3qoaFGa

[@jaycoca1417]

I have the same issue with my 1965 c10 over the years I have replaced the ignition switch 3 or 4 times the harness or “ pigtails “melted and was removed I would like to replace it. Does brother’s offer that part?

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

No pigtail available for the 65 at the moment

[@jaycoca1417]

BROTHERS Truck Parts ...Okay when might they be available for purchase?💲😎🤔

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

@@jaycoca1417 not sure, nobody is reproducing it at the moment

[@malikdigger4544]

Definitely a project worth doing on anything house & automobile

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Yep!

[@pappaeddie1]

Good job I need this info.

[@kellybergin1532]

Do you have any wiringdiagram diagrams on a 1975 K10, like this one

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Check the website www.brotherstrucks.com tonsee what is available

[@kellybergin1532]

Ok, not everyone has 67-72

[@kellybergin1532]

I got a mobile mechanic from the 951 area code ,coming out to help me out!!

[@kellybergin1532]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV from craigslist

[@MegaGsizzle]

Awesome 👏🏻

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Thanks!

[@c-10livin25]

I also connected the new starter good every cable bolt it just does that weird thing and smoked a little biit let me know need help

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

To us it sounds like you have the wires on the solenoid reversed or shorted out. Check those connections and try it again.

[@c-10livin25]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV thank you I will try it out I’m putting new ignition switch as we speak and give it a try

[@c-10livin25]

Then I will see if it’s the solenoide

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

@@c-10livin25 Right on! Good luck!

[@johnmccool7551]

Morel has is worth

[@johnmccool7551]

Mr Welch .you are worth you’re weight in gold .hope they pay you very well.great videos thank you for you’re time .

[@dwaynelejeune3508]

Thanks Question. I looked back to see if you have a vid on repairing the steering column. I have a 1965 c10 and all the inner works are wore out. The steering wheel/shaft has a lot of play. Would like to rebuild and keep original column. And while we are on subject about steering I would also like to switch from manual to power steering. Thx and keep up the great lessons.

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

We'll add those suggestions to the list, thank you!

[@sibhagourd4313]

Oooh yeah!!! I desperately want to add power steering to my 72 short bed. At the same time need to understand why my turning radius is so small; tire size vs drum vs disc, the last guy who had my truck put 16”’s, and changed the brakes to disc (or vice versa ) and now I can barely turn without rubbing. Have yet to get a clear answer from any tire guys as to why.... but yeah, I second the power steering vid! Please! 😍

[@mimilaubach5342]

Thanks for the video! I’m working on our 1969 C-10 pickup. I replaced the starter (rebuilt AC-Delco) and the truck fired right up but the next day, no crank, no start and no lights. Any idea what I did wrong or what I should look for to get it running again? Thanks again for the how to videos- I’ve learned a lot!

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

Sounds like something has a dead short with the install of the new alt. check that none of the "eyelets" are touching anything except the stud they are intended to make contact with. If those check out, then just move on from there looking for a short.

[@mimilaubach5342]

@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV Thanks for the reply - I undid the electric hookups and reattached, still no go. Tested the battery - dead as a doornail. Sometimes one overlooks the easy solution. Popped a new battery in and the truck is running. Now on to the other issues with it! Thanks for the videos!

[@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV]

@@mimilaubach5342 Well that's excellent news. Our apologies for the VERY late reply to the original question, somehow your message got buried in KZbin's framework and we didn't see it until today.