Ford F150 4x4 1989 with tilt wheel column. Turn key, no "spring" resistance, thus Starter not engage. Can jump at solenoid with Key in ignition position. Tried replacing Ignition Switch on column and Lock cylinder separately. Neither fixed problem. IS there something inside column housing? Could Drive gear/actuator arm be problem? Working from Chilton's Manual. If that, can drive gear be fixed without removing column housing?

 

Oh yes , There is something else . There is a rod that connects the key to the column switch . These things break . Youll have to lower the steering column , take the steering wheel off , remove all the covers around the column . Installing it is a little tricky , you ll have to remove the tilt pivot pins to allow enough room to slide the new rod in place . To remove the pins , I have always threaded two small machine screws into the pins & pulled them out with pliers . Just be careful while those pins are out , too much of an angle will allow the tilt column tension spring to pop out , Ive never had one let loose on me , But it never looked like it would be easy to reinstall it . Once the new rod is in place you can reinstall the pivot pins by tapping them lightly , remove the machine screws & the worst of it is over .

 

Can you say, would the rod move if broken? I do see movement when turning the key full clockwise. Haven't measured exactly how much it moves.

 

The rod will still be connected to the key mechanism . It will move but its not going to do much because its very likely broken . Its cost less than $10 .

 

Thanks. It's not the cost of Parts, rather LABOR and I enjoy challenge to understand and fix myself. Off to buy Steering wheel puller and the other puller for some lock plate behind that.

 

I had the same problem with my 1991 F-150 about two weeks ago. I took it to the local Ford dealer and $248 later I was back in business.

Does that give you any motivation to do it yourself?

 

Yep, you hit my motivation exaactly. So what was the diagnosis on your repair? Which parts and cause? I'm still trouble shooting. About to pulll steering wheel.

 

The part you are after is called an actuator. It transfers the action of the rack,(moved by the key)up and over to the center of the column to the rod which runs down to the ign. switch.


2000 XLT Flare Supercab Sport 5.4-Auto-355LS-Tow pkg-Bedrug-Xtang Tonneau

 

Does all the same information apply to an 1989 F150 without a tilt wheel. I think I have the same exact problem. Have removed the lockset and reached in to turn the switch manually. Now power is always on no matter what I do. Had to disconnect the battery. Help !!