My truck will not crank/start. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> The gauges, the lights and door buzer all work when I turn the key. The battery is new and all cables in good condition. Were do you recomend I start looking, charging system, starting system or ignition system. How can I test the ignition without buying expensive equipment. I have $300, so rather than pay a mechanic I want to do the labor myself so that I can use all of the money for parts. Thanks for the help

The ignition circuit has nothing to do with your problem if the engine doesn't move when you turn the key. If the lights are bright and accessories work, the charging system is likely ok and the problem is in the starting circuit.

Begin with removing the battery cable connections, clean the battery and cable terminals. While the cables are disconnected, go under the truck and do the same with the cables to the starter/solenoid - should be 1 large cable and 1 small wire. Reinstall the wires at the starter/solenoid, then the battery connections.

If you have a meter, remove the small wire from the starter solenoid switch, have someone try to start the truck while you read voltage between the wire and chassis ground - you should see battery voltage - if not, there's a problem in the ignition switch or the wiring from the battery through the switch to the starter solenoid. If you have battery voltage at the wire when the ignition switch is turned to "START", but the solenoid doesn't click, the starter solenoid switch is bad and you should remove the starter and have it and the solenoid tested at an auto electric shop... if you're feeling lucky, you can replace the solenoid switch and see if that does it, but the starter motor should be checked. If you prefer, you can replace the starter motor and solenoid switch as a unit.

Be prepared to get a bit aggravated if you find it necessary to remove/replace the starter.

Good luck,
Frank

Hey I had a similar problem and I took the steering column cover off and cleaned the ignition switch assymbly itself and viola
You can also buy the part for likr 70bucks
You can email me scoot@tmail.com if you want pictures of the job I did

If your starter is bad had a shop rebuild it. It will be much better than the cheapy ones you get at the auto parts store. BTW the place Mitsubishi uses to rebuild is somewhere around LA. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

What would you recommend, I can buy a new mitsubishi starter for $130 at www.rockauto.com or a Bosch starter from Kragen auto parts for $150.

I have a starter I bought new and only used 1 year before I swapped the engine out. Yours for the cost of shipping if you want it. I also have a bunch of 2.6 L stuff if you need it, just let me know.

I send you a private message.

I send another PM. I am also intrested in the trans and t-case. Pm me to let me know how much you want for it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />