Wiring in Steering column - van did not start

[sean]

Hi everyone,

I just spent 3 hours troubleshooting a non-starting van. After running through the checklist from batteries, fuses, solenoid, starter, I ended up in the ignition switch in the steering column. The group of wires on the left side of the column do not appear frayed, loose or at all compromised, but when I give the whole thing a jiggle toward the inside of the column the van starts when I turn the key.

Looking at how to get the key ignition out to have a look inside, it seems that it's all attached with breakaway bolts. I guess as an anti theft device??

Is the only way to get at this area is to pull the whole column off or should I go the way of an "easy out" to get this off.

Any advice would be great. At this point I am happy that I can at least get the van started and it is not just dead in the water (or should I say winter).

Sean