Total Ignition Blackout
 

This has happened three times in as many days when I try to start my otherwise always faithful '98 4 door, 4wd, 104,000 miles. When I turn the key to the on position, everything is normal. Dash lights come on, ding-ding-ding, etc. When I turn the key to the start position, the truck's entire electrical system goes dead without any sound at all coming from the starter before the blackout. After a few minutes the electrical system comes back. Then when I try to start it, sometimes the same thing happens again and sometimes it starts fine. I researched past threads on this forum before adding this post. Very helpful. I learned that prime suspects are battery cable connections, ignition switch, and starter. I cleaned the battery terminals and cables. There was a tiny bit of corrosion on the positive cable end. I cleaned the grounds to the block and the frame. I did not clean the positive connection to the starter -- too much of bearcat for me to get at lying on my back on the garage floor. The problem continues. Since it happens without any sound of the starter engaging, do you think I'm right in suspecting the ignition switch?

when you dont have dash lights on or loose power to your radio dash heat/ac . do the starter turn?

When the electrical system goes dead, the starter does not respond at all -- no click, no whir, no nothin'.

yea i think its the ignition switch but do some more research before you change it .

also the 2 above links in my signature has the guide to replace the ignition switch successfully .check that out also .

Thanks for the expertise and the links!