Steering Column Repair: 1993 chev s10 tahoe edition, 6 cyl, 2.8L, 5 speed, purple wire, correct configuration

Question
We have done everything but can't figure this out. Starter went out on my 1993 s10, replaced it. It wouldn't start after changing the starter, so I replaced the ignition switch, which was bad also. After doing this my truck would start, turn over and run but cut right back off. If you keep the starter engaged it will run fine. The headlights & brake lights are also not working but my blinkers & reverse lights are working. So I got an entire steering column from an identical truck & installed it & it's still doing the same things. I've checked all fuses relay switches & I'm getting power everywhere. What can I check now or where did I do something wrong? My headlights & brake lights were working fine before I changed the starter & my truck was running fine before I changed the starter. PLEASE HELP ME. I've talked to everyone & tried just about everything.

Answer
Brittney:

It sounds like you may have the small wires that attach to the solenoid on the starter connected together. The correct configuration should be purple wire to the S terminal by itself and the other wire to the other terminal. As far as the lights not working, you may have shorted out one of the larger wires that attach to the big terminal on the starter.
tug on the insulation to see if the wire inside is melted.  If it feels like a rubber band, then the 'fusible link' inside the wire is burned and teat section of wire needs to be repaired.  That should give you back all of your functions

I hope this helps

Doug