starting question

84F150XLT · #1 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012, 06:30 PM

Hello, I have a 1984 F-150 XLT with some minor problems, this one is rather annoying. my truck wont start with the column mounted ignition switch, so the PO rigged up a push button from the solenoid. all the other functions of the ign switch work, just not the "start" position. I replaced the ign switch and the solenoid and still no go...could some one please help, this is rather aggrivating....

ArdWrknTrk · #2 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012, 06:58 PM

Can you check the red/blue wire for continuity?
Did you properly adjust the ignition switch when you installed it?

84F150XLT · #3 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012, 07:07 PM

i am assuming the red/blue wire is on the solenoid?
how do i adjust the ignition switch?

ArdWrknTrk · #4 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012, 07:16 PM

The electrical portion of the switch should be able to move up or down the column before you tighten the bolts. The mounting holes are slotted.

Or did you change the lock cylinder and not the switch itself?

ctubutis · #5 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012, 07:30 PM

The red/blue wire connects to #5 on the solenoid, this is what activates it (the solenoid).

If auto trans, there is a NSS (Neutral Safety Switch) in between the solenoid & ignition switch; clutch switch for manual trans I think was added at some point but don't remember when (but it was after 1981 as I don't have one).

From Franklin2's diagrams:

84F150XLT · #6 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012, 07:30 PM

maby it was just the switch? you just have to put the key in turn it and poke a paperclip in the hole underneith

it is auto tranny so where would the NSS be??

ctubutis · #7 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012, 07:46 PM

The paper clip & hole is just for the lock cylinder, this has nothing to do with the switch itself (which is on top of the column behind the dash).

Do you have a test light or volt meter?

84F150XLT · #8 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012, 07:55 PM

yup, i will test the red and blue wire continuity when i get to school ( the truck is at school)

ctubutis · #9 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012, 07:55 PM

The NSS is on the transmission and is also the backup-light switch.

bruno2 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012, 08:04 PM

My ignition switch might be all out of whack. It is rough to turn the lock cylinder. I try to move the steering wheel back and forth to relieve the bind, but , it doesnt help. I must have messed something up whenever I installed the column.

84F150XLT · #11 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012, 08:05 PM

HOLY SMOKES!!! my backup lights dont work either!! you think that could be the problem??

ctubutis · #12 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 84F150XLT

HOLY SMOKES!!! my backup lights dont work either!! you think that could be the problem??

Very well could be, crawl under there and look at it.

The NSS portion uses the red wires, the backup lights I think are black/pink-stripe.

84F150XLT · #13 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012, 08:32 PM

ok il will do that. thanks alot!!

is there an adjustment to be made to it??

ctubutis · #14 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012, 08:55 PM

Not really, just make sure yours is there and is hooked up.

84F150XLT · #15 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012, 09:16 PM

actually i dusted off my old haynes and it said there is, you losen the bolts and stick a drill bit in the holes and make shure they line up. or so i read...