A friend has a 1993 F150 with a 5.8L (351 W). The battery died so went to replace it. When connecting the 2nd cable it sparked and the truck started.
That should not happen. Lol.
Something is causing it to be hot all the time, but not sure where to start looking.
Then when I checked the key/ignition. The key was NOT in the ignition, but the key ring/ignition is spinning freely.
So I am thinking the ignition is broken which left it in the run or hot position which fried the battery.

Sound good?

Any other ideas or suggestions?

Thanks in advance for any and all constructive comments.

 

Sounds like a good diagnosis to me.

From the passengers side, look at the end of the chrome key insert ring (seriously, what DO you call that thing?). You will find a hole on the steering column behind that ring about the 7 or 8 o'clock position. Turn the key ring thing (I just named it) to about the ON/RUN position and press a small screwdriver in there while pulling the key ring thing out towards the passenger side. The entire lock cylinder should pull out.

My guess is that you will find that the end of the key cylinder is broken off. The key cylinder is supposed to engage an actuation rod to work the switch lower on down the steering column.

Personally, I'd be inclined to remove the key cylinder, open up the switch down low, and pull the steering wheel to verify that the actuation rod is not jammed.

Your friend is lucky his starter is still working. If you rev that engine with the starter engaged, the starter will overspeed and grenade.

 

Thanks for the response and yeah, what the hell is that called? Lol.

Aha!

Ignition Lock Cylinder

 

yeah, I guess that chrome part IS part of the ignition lock cylinder.

Oh well, hope the rest of that made sense.