No accessories power

Dukester68 · Dec 16, 2024

Good morning! Fairly new to this site but my first post…
I have a nice 1986 GMC Sierra 2500 that is pretty much a basic truck off the lot. We inherited it from my former father in law and are bringing it back to life. I need a little direction in to why i have nothing powered when switching to the accessories position. Its not that big of a concern but thought i would tap this group!
Thx in advance…
Duke

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JD Miller · Dec 16, 2024

Turn the radio on

Jgonick · Dec 16, 2024

Dukester68 said:
I need a little direction in to why i have nothing powered when switching to the accessories position.

So your radio & wipers don't work? Anything else I'm missing? Does the radio & wipers work when the key is in the run position? -If not- check fuses.

Matt69olds · Dec 16, 2024

Do all the accessories work normally with the ignition key in run? If so, you can rule out fusible links and fuses and most of the wiring.

More than likely, the ignition SWITCH (not the lock cylinder) is out of adjustment. The switch is located on top of the steering column. You will need to lower the column a little to access it.

If adjusting the switch doesn’t work, replace it. Keep in mind tilt and standard columns use different switches.

75gmck25 · Dec 16, 2024

I agree, switch may be out of adjustment. Another common problem is that the small rack on the end of the key cylinder is cracked, and its not pulling the rod up and down the column properly.

When you turn the key it moves a toothed rack on the end of the lock cylinder, and that rack pulls a small rod that runs down the column. The other end of the rod is connected to the ignition (electrical) switch much lower on the column. The ignition rack is made of pot metal, so not very strong.

Dukester68 · Tuesday at 10:24 AM

Jgonick said:
So your radio & wipers don't work? Anything else I'm missing? Does the radio & wipers work when the key is in the run position? -If not- check fuses.

Hello Jgonick… nothing in the accessories position but everything in the run position. I will check fuses today and thank you!

Dukester68 · Tuesday at 10:25 AM

JD Miller said:
Turn the radio on

Radio works in run position but everything is dead in accessories position

Dukester68 · Tuesday at 10:28 AM

Matt69olds said:
Do all the accessories work normally with the ignition key in run? If so, you can rule out fusible links and fuses and most of the wiring.

More than likely, the ignition SWITCH (not the lock cylinder) is out of adjustment. The switch is located on top of the steering column. You will need to lower the column a little to access it.

If adjusting the switch doesn’t work, replace it. Keep in mind tilt and standard columns use different switches.

Thanks i will try this today but everything works in the run position and dead in the accessory position.

Dukester68 · Tuesday at 10:31 AM

75gmck25 said:
I agree, switch may be out of adjustment. Another common problem is that the small rack on the end of the key cylinder is cracked, and its not pulling the rod up and down the column properly.

When you turn the key it moves a toothed rack on the end of the lock cylinder, and that rack pulls a small rod that runs down the column. The other end of the rod is connected to the ignition (electrical) switch much lower on the column. The ignition rack is made of pot metal, so not very strong.

I will try locating this adjustment today and see whats going on. Thank you!

Dukester68 · Tuesday at 10:32 AM

Dukester68 said:
Hello Jgonick… nothing in the accessories position but everything in the run position. I will check fuses today and thank you!

Is there a separate fuse for accessory position? Thx in advance

Dukester68 · Tuesday at 10:33 AM

Thx for the quick response to my question! You guys rock!!

Jgonick · Tuesday at 11:17 AM

Dukester68 said:
Hello Jgonick… nothing in the accessories position but everything in the run position. I will check fuses today and thank you!

Same fuses- if they work in run position fuses are fine.

See post #4 above by @Matt69olds would be next step to look at

Matt69olds said:
More than likely, the ignition SWITCH (not the lock cylinder) is out of adjustment. The switch is located on top of the steering column. You will need to lower the column a little to access it.

If adjusting the switch doesn’t work, replace it. Keep in mind tilt and standard columns use different switches.

and also next post by @75gmck25

Snoots · Tuesday at 1:21 PM

Ignition switch adjustment needed.

Dukester68 · Tuesday at 11:40 PM

Snoots said:
Ignition switch adjustment needed.

How is this procedure performed? Thank you

Snoots · Wednesday at 9:56 AM

It's located near the bottom of the steering column.
There are 2 screws holding it there.
Loosen them (don't remove) and you can move the switch.
I'm guessing here but I'm thinking you'll have to move it towards the steering wheel.

Turn your radio on and turn your ignition to the ACC position.
When the radio comes on, You've found the spot. Tighten the screws and enjoy.

No accessories power

Dukester68

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