Won't start,clicking, gauges work with key removed

[devittjl]

97 K1500
Ran last weekend now doesn't. thought it was a low battery so put it on the charger.

Went to start... It clicked alot but would not turn over. It continued to click and the gauges still worked after I removed the key.

Does this sound like an ignition switch problem?

Thanks in advance for the help.
John

[bigeasy]

I've had this problem on and off for the last 2 years with my 96 2500 7.4 'burb. It's on again right now.

If I manipulate the positive terminal connector on the battery until I hear a spark-zap, then it will fire up. sometimes the whole thng will go dead after starting up. sometimes, it'll fire up on cue again for a month. i've replaced the long red cable that runs along the radiator, but not the black double cable that leads to the a/c compressor and under the engine.

and get this - after replacing or cleaning the positive terminals, the truck wont start unless I then tighten the negative terminal connector. it's nuts.

does anyone have advice? should I go about replacing the other positive cable?