I need help to figure this problem out. The first problem started with my ignition switch going bad and i replaced it. Then 2nd problem started could not start truck from the ignition wouldn't do anything. No emission light or starter noise,nothing. So i use a starter jumper to start truck. That is what i use to start truck. 3rd problem something broke in column i think it was the rod for the key ignition switch. So i was thinking a wire in column might be getting shorted out and is causing the problem of shutting off while driving or at idle. But this does not happen all the time. There are days i don't have a problem with it at all. I also thought maybe it was a emission issue but am not sure if it is that either. I sure could use some help with this issue.

 

When I first bought my 83 F250 it would cut out exactly as you describe, except not while driving.....only at an idle.
It got progressively worse over a year, until pulling up at an intersection etc, there was often a good chance of it cutting out.

The problem was a bad 3-pin connector, at the distributor......it looked OK, but was the cause of the trouble. I had it cut out & the wires soldered after it stalled one day when I wriggled the wiring. No further problem.
An alternative might have been to replace the pickup coil that the plug/wiring belongs to - More Information for MOTORCRAFT DU1A

There are other similar plugs used elsewhere (ignition module etc) that might be the problem........but in my case it was at the distributor. Good luck

 

I have never seen the rod break, but I have seen the gear that activates the rod get clocked wrong and not activate the ignition switch properly. You have to lower the column, take the switch out and with a pick or small screw driver see how the switch works by hand, see if you can turn the ignition on and then push and see if it starts, if it all works manually something in the column is not hooked up right our something is broken. Usually the plastic gear that press's on the back of the key switch strips or gets loose, dont forget that the switch it self is adjustable and the 2 studs, may have to play with it for a while to get it right but that is very common as well. good luck

 

thanks Ken and David, I will look into those possible fixes and get back to you if they fix the issue.