Just replaced the steering column in my 83 Chevy (tilt, shifter on column) old tilt was shot. Got a column from an 83 Suburban. Plugged it all in down to the intermediate shaft and all systems are go...turn signals work, horn, hazards, tilt, etc, but for some reason when I try to turn it over I get NOTHING but the radio. It won't crank the engine. I tried adjusting the and replacing the ignition switch and came up with the same problem. The actuator rod is in place, the switch is good, the battery voltage is reading around 12.5...plenty of power just no start. Please Post for more details or best case scenario...a working solution :)

Switch is probably bad- Use old switch off old column for test.

Well, swapped switch (again), opened old one up, relubed it and still nothing. I think it's going to the shop, I'm out of patience and time. Will post result.

Did you try manually operating the switch--Stick a small screwdriver in the op-rod notch and work the switch?

yeah I thought about that too, I visually inspected all the wire connections because I have no idea how to use my meter to test them or even what they should read, but I did give the switch a tug w/ an allen wrench to no avail.

Well you're in oregon and i'm in arizona, or I would drop by and look at it for you. There are two different switches for gm columns. one for tilt and one for non tilt columns. unless someone switched it you should have two of the same switch. Since it was starting before the change and the switch wires were not changed, it is puzzling why it won't start--maybe wires got pulled out of fuseblock?

SOLVE: Neutral safety switch out of alignment truck is running again. Thanks for the posts guys.