Ignition short

Can somebody tell me how to tell if ignition switch is shorted

 

What do you mean by "shorted"?

The typical definition of a short is a direct electrical path to ground which would typically result in a blown fuse.

So what symptoms are you experiencing?

 

I took the negative wire off battery and put a test light between the wire and post and my test lights turn key off and test light gos off

 

There is no fuses blown

 

Your looking for a parasitic drain?

If so using a test light is not the proper way to check for one, you need to put an ammeter in series between the cable and the battery to check current draw.

 

Ok thank you I was told wrong

 

Does it mean anything the way I did it turning key on and test light lighting and fey off light goes out

 

That test was ok to use on an old (pre 90s) vehicle with no electronics or modules but doesn't really work on anything newer than that.
Most accurate test is an inline ammeter, next best is a clamp on ammeter.

Not really, turning on the key turns alot of stuff on so naturally it's gona light a test light if you have it inline.

You typically want to see 50ma (0.05A) or less with everything off and the vehicle asleep.

How long does it take to kill the battery?

 

All night

 

Have you verified it's not the battery?

Easiest way is to disconnect it, if it's still dead in the morning it's bad.

Any aftermarket electronics (radio, alarm, etc) on the truck?