Comanche won't start...

[dunl]

Okay, I have it here and I can't hear the pump. The gauges don't move at all when I turn the key, even though the engine cranks. So, no longer think it is the fuel pump. I believe that when the key is turned, the starter is engaging, but the truck doesn't know the key is on.

Is that possible? ECU fried?

cps was replaced already

[dunl]

Oh yeah...was stolen once, and found with the guy driving it to work at Wal-Mart.  Crowfoot dealership replaced the column....possible wire screw  -up?

[Gearhead]

Check the starter relay , it's beside the battery.

I have a brand new  genuine Mopar  starter relay if you need one.  I think I paid $60 for it.

There are also some fusible links that may have been damaged by  a thievery attempt , there are several that connect to the starter relay and distribute current elsewhere through the vehicle.

[dunl]

Check the starter relay , it's beside the battery.

I have a brand new  genuine Mopar  starter relay if you need one.  I think I paid $60 for it.

There are also some fusible links that may have been damaged by  a thievery attempt , there are several that connect to the starter relay and distribute current elsewhere through the vehicle.

But the starter turns over, and strongly....and wouldn't explain the dead gages either, would it?

[Gearhead]

Check the connections  @ the starter relay , there are several wires  and fusible links that exit there ,  which run other components than the starter .   

[dunl]

Okay, it's a start. Thanks.

[rangerdanger]

Dead guages but still turns over hmm might be ignition switch, I just replaced one in my blazer this week that had the same symptoms

[dunl]

Ignition switch sounds likely, as I just bypassed the fuel pump via the pins in the relay section. Hummed great.

If it was a failed ignition switch, the engine would think it is turned off - even if the starter doesn't.  That would explain why it died on the PO halfway out of the garage.  And no matter what I do, it will continue to think it is turned off, right?

[cLAY]

There is a white porcelian block on the fender by the battery with two wires coming out of it. It reduced voltage to the pump to reduce noise(its a resistor). If it goes the pump doesn't get any power. You can just pull the wires off and connect them together. The resistor isn't really needed. Its also a handy palce to see if 12V is going to the pump.

If you push the scrader valve on on the fuel rail do you get a good spray of fuel?

Does it have spark? Pull one wire off and put in a known good plug with the metal threads resting against something metal and grounded. Does it spark?

[dunl]

Looks like it's the ignition switch:

http://www.comancheclub.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=17906&p=182913#p182913

Jumped the pump and it immediately kicked in.

[dunl]

Okay, the key cylinder is NOT moving the rod that goes to the switch....but also when I move the switch by hand, nothing happens.

Do I need a new key cylinder? And how do I remove it from this tilt steering column? (which is second hand, courtesy of a dealer, so no clue what shape it might be in).  I can't find an access hole to remove the cylinder.

[cLAY]

Ofthen there is a small hole underneath the tumbler, insert a small drill bit in it to  push the release button. Key must be in the tumbler when doing this.

Before doing that though I would remove the ing. switch and try working it by hand. Its mounted on screws with oblong holes so its postion can be adjusted.

When you turn the key to "on" do you get any power to anything? Radio, wipers, turn signals, etc.

[dunl]

I hate being internet taught.

Good news is that after it was pointed out that I had the dimmer switch instead of the ignition, I found one plug loose.  In it went, and on came gauges.

Now it is spitting every few seconds, trying to start.  I can hear the fuel pump and smell gas. But she doesn't want to catch...any ideas?

Thanks for all the help so far.

[Immortal]

how are the plugs looking?

[dunl]

Supposedly new, but that's on tomorrow's list.