"Rex B" <rex@inoli.com> wrote in message
news:112s0rha0117d2b@corp.supernews.com...
> Rex B wrote:
>> OK guys, need some quick advice. Went out to get lunch and nothing
>> happens when I turn the key. No radio, no click, no nothing. Happened a
>> few weeks ago, then stated fin the next day, and ever since.
>>
>> I figure it's the ignition switch, or loose harness to the switch.
>>
>> Any chance the main relay could also cause this?
>> Do they ever fail intermittently?
>>
>> Anything else?
>>
>> Quick tip to get it started so I can get home tonight?
>
> Well, I went online to order the switch and relay.
> Ignition switch is $130
> Relay has 3 choices, depending on which number is stamped on it.
>
> --
> - -
> Rex Burkheimer
> WM Automotive
> Fort Worth TX

The main relay is just a fancy fuel pump relay AFAIK. Shouldn't cause the
"no activity" condition.

That doesn't leave much - the ignition switch or the battery. If it is the
ignition switch the headlights will come on normally, if the battery is bad
the headlights won't (obviously).

Intermittent batteries are becoming downright common. About half the bad
batteries I've had in recent years have failed that way. Apparently the
connections inside the battery at one post or the other crack and don't
quite make contact. If you can get current to start flowing, the contacts
will weld slightly, enough to magically restore the battery!

If the ignition switch is being troublesome, it is possible to open it and
work the contacts over with the existing grease inside the switch. It's
pretty spooky doing that away from home, though. You may be better off
cycling the switch on and off until it hopefully works.

If it is the battery, turn the headlights on (to provide a load and to guage
your progress). Hit one of the terminals sharply with a small hammer if one
is available, something improvised if not. Don't risk breaking the case,
just a medium whack. Check the lights and repeat with the other terminal if
necessary. You may have to be persistent, and if you have a voltmeter or
test light available you will probably want to verify the voltage is missing
at the posts before getting carried away. If that gets it going, replace the
battery.

Mike