Hi guys,

A little problem here with my '95 4.0L AWD.

When I turn the key to the forward position, the starter cranks and engine starts normally.

When I turn the key counter-clockwise to turn engine off, the key just goes backward all the way to the stop without any resistance at all, and the engine keeps on running.

I pulled the plug on the ignition module to stop the engine and disconnected the battery. I was about to tear into the steering column when I stopped and thought about asking you guys for help.

What's the deal here? Some linkage broke or is it just the switch? Do I need to open up the steering column to fix this?

Thanks in advance, guys!

 

Yeah, something inside the steering column is broken. I have never run into this before, but I would suspect that it would be inside the switch itself.

 

I have. It was a 97 Windstar. There was a white plastic rod. Turning the key would extend the rod. The ignition switch is on the other end of the rod. When you turn the key back the rod retracts and the switch is turned off.


With the break, part of the rod returns but the part that turns off the ignition switch remains. This means you can start but not stop the engine. I had to get a replacement steering column and replace the whole thing. I took the old one apart and verified that I could not replace the plastic rod.

Don't know if is exactly the same with the Aero. I bet it's very similar.

 

Ouch! That's bad! I'll try to see if I can replace the rod itself and I'll report back. It might be a while though!

 

well, your ignition switch is bad now man! Not lock cylonder, but switch. When small cooper contacts are worn one of them may come out its place and block small lever all the contacts are on. This lever is drown with small ring gear sector.

Sometimes Ford brake off heads of switch/lock bolts and it may be some problem to off bolts.

 

If there are security (break off bolt heads) on there, I've found using the corner of a sharp cold chisel and small hammer will quickly free them. Luckily, the bolt head snaps off with a low torque load, making it easier to back the bolt off. Just orient the chisel edge on a spot where you can give it a nice, sharp whack. One or two is all it usually takes to loosen the bolt. The new switch assembly comes with replacement bolts.