Lotus907
Junior Member
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2017
- Posts
- 15
- Reaction score
- 4
- Location
- OH
- First Name
- Steven
- Truck Year
- 1986
- Truck Model
- K20
- Engine Size
- 454
Good morning all:
I have a 1986 K20 that the previous owner added a 454 w/TBI from a 1987 Suburban R20 and I have been experiencing some issues with getting the truck to start. Recently I have had occasions where the starter is not being activated when I turn the key. Previously when this has happened I goof around with trying to turn the key off and on a few times and then finally it will work. However last evening when I wen to use the truck after two days of sitting this happened again and no amount of fiddling with the key did anything. I tried jumping the battery since it is very cold here but that had no effect. I pulled the battery, brought it in the house to check it and it seemed fully charged.
The lights on the dash are lighting up as normal when I turn the key to On or start positions and I can feel resistance when I turn the key to the start position. Just nothing happens with the starter.
I believe I either have a problem with the neutral safety switch or the ignition switch. I understand from the research I have done that the actual electrical part of the ignition switch sits on top of the steering column and is activated by an ignition activator rack. However I have no idea where the neutral safety switch is located.
BTW, the truck does have a tilt steering wheel.
So now I have questions. 
1. How do I diagnose if it is indeed the neutral safety switch or the ignition switch.
2. Where is the neutral safety switch located?
3. Is it possible to drop the steering column enough to access the ignition switch by just removing the two large nuts under the leading edge of the dash that hold the column up in place?
4. Where can I get a good wiring diagram for a 1986 K20 and a 1987 R20?
One other piece of info, it's 15°F outside so I am trying to minimize the amount of time I am lying under the truck if possible
I have a 1986 K20 that the previous owner added a 454 w/TBI from a 1987 Suburban R20 and I have been experiencing some issues with getting the truck to start. Recently I have had occasions where the starter is not being activated when I turn the key. Previously when this has happened I goof around with trying to turn the key off and on a few times and then finally it will work. However last evening when I wen to use the truck after two days of sitting this happened again and no amount of fiddling with the key did anything. I tried jumping the battery since it is very cold here but that had no effect. I pulled the battery, brought it in the house to check it and it seemed fully charged.
The lights on the dash are lighting up as normal when I turn the key to On or start positions and I can feel resistance when I turn the key to the start position. Just nothing happens with the starter.
I believe I either have a problem with the neutral safety switch or the ignition switch. I understand from the research I have done that the actual electrical part of the ignition switch sits on top of the steering column and is activated by an ignition activator rack. However I have no idea where the neutral safety switch is located.
BTW, the truck does have a tilt steering wheel.
So now I have questions. 
1. How do I diagnose if it is indeed the neutral safety switch or the ignition switch.
2. Where is the neutral safety switch located?
3. Is it possible to drop the steering column enough to access the ignition switch by just removing the two large nuts under the leading edge of the dash that hold the column up in place?
4. Where can I get a good wiring diagram for a 1986 K20 and a 1987 R20?
One other piece of info, it's 15°F outside so I am trying to minimize the amount of time I am lying under the truck if possible