I’m assuming so. (I know I should never assume anything) I can turn the key to run and bump it with a screw driver to get it running. Just won’t turn the starter with the key. I believe I have tested everything and voltage is going where it needs to go. My initial thought was the ignition switch Because it didn’t feel as if the key was turning all the way forward to start but after a new one of those AND a key cylinder it still won’t crank over. Is there a specific procedure I should follow to see if I am getting voltage to the starter??
There is no specific procedure for diagnosing this issue. Just use your meter/test probe and good engineering practices.
The starter solenoid control circuit is real simple. When the ignition switch is moved to the START position, power is supplied to the solenoid on a single lead (purple 6). You have an automatic transmission, so there are no safety switches in that purple 6 circuit. Since you have changed (and properly adjusted?) the ignition switch as well as the starter/solenoid group, it would be safe to assume that neither of those is the problem.
Essentially, that only leaves continuity on the purple 6 lead as questionable.
The purple 6 circuit actually consists of two sections of wire. The first section runs from the ignition switch to the cab side of the main bulkhead connector. On the engine side, there is another section runs directly from the connector to the "S" terminal on the solenoid.
How to determine if the purple 6 circuit is truly the problem is a personal choice. You can:
1. Have a helper turn the key to start and test for power at the solenoid's "S" terminal.
2. Have the same helper turn the key to start while you check for power on the engine side of the bulkhead connector
3. Start at the ignition switch and check for power out of it - and then work the other way towards the solenoid.
What I would not suggest is checking for voltage on the cab side of the connector. Only do that as a last resort. To access the purple 6 there requires pulling the fuse block.
The purple 6 lead transits the connector block as indicated in the image below (3rd row down, middle bay). It won't look like that - because the engine side plug will be in place. But the location will be the same.
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Another possible initial diagnostic test would be to run a temporary switched jumper straight from the battery positive to the solenoid's "S" terminal. If the starter cranks right up when the switch is closed...then start tearing into the purple 6 circuit.
