Three days ago I got an 01 for free with the purchase of a Airstream. It has 101k miles, a rebuilt front driveshaft, and the three amigos. I lubed the shafts, changed the oil, and drove home (700 miles).

The next morning, it wouldn't start. It turns over fine, but won't crank. The tach is non-responsive and the battery light stays on. I know this is probly the crank sensor.

But at the exact same time it chose not to start, I now can't get the ignition key out. It turns easily to all positions except the 0 position where I would be able to remove the key. I pulled it apart and it looks like a plunger that is electro-magnetically controlled isn't raising for some reason. I unplugged it, and can now remove the key.

Any chance the two problems are related?

 

Probably not i would change the crank sensor and the ignitions are sometimes sticky with these trucks.

 

have you pushed in on the key before try to turn it to the 0 position

 

Yes. I also tried to jiggle the wheel while twisting the key.

 

the only reason I ask is anytime someone borrows my truck they call and say the key is stuck, because they dont know to push in on it.

 

So, if memory serves me correctly - One needs to be in park
for the key to come out??

If your shifter is misaligned and the switch which is in the shifter console
which engages the plunger is not engaging??

I would push it hard to park and hold it there and then try to get the key out.

Savannah will know the answer to this one - better than me.

 

I messed with the gear shifter, too. I moved it in and out of park several times, as well as pushed on it to make sure it was actuating the switch.

My main question is whether the ignition issue could cause the truck to turn over but not start. I don't want to buy/install a crankshaft sensor for no reason.