More info:
I dropped the column so I had easy access to the ignition switch.

1. I pulled the purple starter wire so that I could check when it had 12 volts without turning the motor over. The ignition terminal for the purple starter wire has 12 volts as soon as the key is placed into the "run" position...not just when the key is all the way forward into the spring loaded area (like you were trying to start the car). I adjusted the switch all the way forward and backward with no difference ....had 12 volts either way. So if I went to start the car for the first time I would suspect that the starter would keep spinning even after the motor fired.

2. I pulled the pink ignition wire so I could check voltage at various key positions: No voltage at any key position!

3. For giggles I placed the pink ignition wire into the purple wires slot to check the fuel pump. It kicked right on and I was able to flush the fuel line and bleed air...yippy...something worked;)

My 64 GTO custom tilt column had a turn signal and emergency flasher wire crossed inside the column. Took me hours to figure it out. Sounds like you might have something similar going on if I am following you correctly.

Don

Okay --- are you using a brand new ignition switch?


Do this for me ---

Take your volt ohm meter -- get to continuity mode -- red or black lead on where you THINK the purple starter wire should be - do the other red or black lead to ground - any ground.

Take the power from the battery OFF the ignition - just disconnect it.

What we're searching for is which terminal makes a tone on the volt ohm meter when you turn the key all the way to START. AND the tone goes away when you release the key to "run". NOTE WHICH TERMINAL ON THE SWITCH DOES THIS.

All the other terminals should make continuity (a tone) when in RUN or ACCESSORY.... BUT NOT when in "START".

See if that helps you figure out if it's the ignition switch or your wiring.

It sounds like you have the wires crossed up on the plugs for steering column. The tilt column and non tilt switches are inverted from each other in regards to the plug orientation on the ignition switch. Did you build the ignition switch connector for your AAW harness?

GMTILT rebuilt my tilt column. I was going to contact him to see if the ignition switch is new. I followed the directions for the plug according to the AAW info for a GM plug. I'll get my multimeter out and get back to everybody this afternoon. Thanks for all the help!

It's so hard to think about - then write about - what you'd do if you were trying to diagnose an electrical issue. The things that I'd do automatically if it were me doing the testing... and not being able to see what he's working on.. Just wow. A brain tease.

In rebuilding the column the switch is installed. The switch does not have any wires. The wires come via the plugs on your AAW harness. Simple plug and play. The purples runs from switch to neutral safety and to starter. It is only energized when key/switch in in start position.

Check the wiring at the starter. In addition to what Greg said you can use the meter set to VDC and with purple disconnected from starter. Red to purple wire black to ground. key on should be zero volts. Key in start position 12v

Right, but I removed all but the battery wire from the plug and reinstalled it into the switch. I moved the key into the accessory, ignition, and run positions and had no power to any of the ignition tabs on the switch. Doesn't this localize the problem to the switch? Power isn't getting from the battery side to the ignition side of the switch?

I had time to adjust the ignition switch per the Chilton's Manual today. Not much change. As soon as the key hits run the starter fires up (before the key get into the spring part of the run section). I pulled the purple starter wire from the plug and checked ignition voltage again. I now get ignition voltage when the key is all the way forward against the spring, but no ignition voltage anywhere else.

Does your AAW wiring diagram show the connector or wire side of the connector? If you get this flipped around your wire connections will be the mirror image of what they should be and could cause the sort of issues you are seeing.

Hope this makes sense.

Don