Nissan Repair: 1985 Nissan pickup, nissan pickup, test light

Question
My 1985 Nissan pickup has been off the road for a little while.  A few weeks ago, I was driving along on a road in town when the CD deck shut off.  I promptly noticed that the engine was slowing down.  I tried to give it some gas, and it slowed to a stop completely.  Immediately I thought the battery would be dead.  Unfortunately, the lights still turn on fine.  I had to have an ignition button put in to start the vehicle.  If I push it, the ignition goes fine, it has full power from the battery.  However, no matter what position the keys are in in the ignition module, there is no electrical power to the dash or the engine.  After about 10 minutes, the power would miraculously return, and I'd be on my way.  Unfortunately, the vehicle died in my driveway, and has been off the road since.  Mechanic couldn't figure out what was wrong, but offered to replace the ignition module for $200.  If it is that, I can get a cheap one and put it in myself.  What do you think my problem is?

Answer
Drew,

I would think the ignition switch itself would be the problem.  You can determine what is going on by removing the knee bolster under the dash and the steering column cover.  Now, get a test light and trace the wires coming form the switch.  You know the power feed tot he ignition is good since you have headlights.  What I would propose is to turn the key to on and check the wire coming out and to the fusebox.  My thought is the contacts in the ignition switch have failed and it is a matter of getting a replacement.  That should correct the problem.  Electrical problems like this are a pain and take time and that is why most mechanics would rather not do it since the money they make is not worth the time they have to spend tracking down the problem.