Have issues getting the truck started every few months. Nothing in particular seems to start the issue but once it happens, it won’t start for quite some time and then magically isn’t a problem anymore. So here it is.

Will turn the key and either nothing (I mean no turn, clicks or even lights) or lights will come on and off rapidly and rapid clicking from under the dash or everything lights up normally with the key turn but once I try and start it all dies. Turning on the headlights and/or opening the driver side door seem to change something in the equation with how it wants to act as far has the lights and clicking. Battery is new and good. Starter is new and good. Alternator is old but good. (All checks out with the multimeter). I can’t find a similar issue on any forums or YouTube. Have an ignition starter switch on the way just to try. I’ll add a couple videos for clarity.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9Mqwo7_es-0

 

Welcome to the forum

Yes, reads like the ignition switch under the steering column is broken, or the actuator rod/key cylinder

Disconnect 1 battery cable
Once ignition switch is out you can plug in the new one, hook battery up
Slide the new switch to ON and then START, see if it all works

Ignition switch looks like this: https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/S-sAA...M4f/s-l500.jpg

That silver "pin" slides the contacts inside in to the 4 positions, ACC OFF RUN START

If all seems OK then put key in ignition cylinder and hold the end of the actuator rod(end that was on the "pin"), while you turn the key to make sure actuator rod is not loose

All steering column keys use the same setup, key turns a gear which slides an actuator rod, like this: https://qph.cf2.quoracdn.net/main-qi...e866c747a.webp