Key wont' crank it, but jumping the solenoid will
 

i have an '89 ford f150 4.9L six cyl 4X4. recently i got in to start it and the key wouldn't start it. I was able to start it by using a remote starter swith attatched to the solenoid (lucky i had it with me). I can turn the key and nothing (doesn't even feel like it "wants" to turn, and doesn't really spring back from the start position to the run position). tried changing the ignition cylinder on the column with a new one, and it's still the same. I've worked on Ford trucks (shadetree, not professoinally ha ha) for yrs, and oddly enough never come across this conundrum). could it have something to do with the neutral safety switch, ot the clutch switch? I'm guessing at that, but it's the only thing i can remotely think of. Hate to sound like a dummy, but there's no shame in askin, then learning something new :-D. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hey buddy
Im not to shur, but I just had the same problem with my 5.0. My dad fixed it and I belive i was working under the hood and knocked the fuel relay swich loose and we put a new one on. It was like a little black box on the right side, and it started right up

Maby someone else with chime in ?

sounds like the ignition actuator is bad.

I agree with quicklook. The actuator is like $10 at NAPA though it is a pain to replace. You have to remove the steering wheel and parts of the steering column.

well i already have all of that disassembled, so that part is done. i was exploring to see if it was something simple

Thnks so mush nnero and quicklook. I'm almost positive it is the ignition actuator. after reading your advice, i did a search on this forum and found a link to a step by step removal and installation with pictures to guide me. You've been most helpful. I appreciate it.