ignition
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 347
Likes: 1
From: Buffalo, New York
ignition
OK guys somethings broke in my steering column. Whatever turns and starts the starter. wtf. How do I fix it?? I need my truck. What can I do to temporarily start my truck and use it?? I need help fast!! Just finished school, have jobs to do (drywall, mantle etc..) Can I get parts????
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
The part that has most likely failed is a small pot metal shaft that actuates the ignition switch and interlock. It can be replaced and is a typical failure point. The part can still be gotten. It does require that you disassemble the outer column shell if I recall correctly. Someone who actually has a truck or Bronco of the 87-91 vintage and has replace this part should be able to walk you through it.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,007
Likes: 5
I had to take the steering wheel off. There's a couple of write ups on the Web somewhere. Dorman makes the part and Ford still has them available and might even have one in stock. I was told that they designed it that way because it was the cheapest link to have break. Then I laughed. It's a bit of a job but it has to be done if you don't want to rig up something. But if you do there's a switch at the bottom of the steering column that a rod pushs down on to start the truck, then a spring pulls it back up to run position. Find the switch rod and push it.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 519
Likes: 1
From: Bountiful UT
I just changed mine last month. I found the Part at auto zone in the Help section. It cost's less than $15. The steering wheel has to come off and such. It is not real hard just time comsuming, Look on the web for a write up.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 519
Likes: 1
From: Bountiful UT
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 347
Likes: 1
From: Buffalo, New York
OK im gonna snap!! I changed the ignition switch. The metal rod is fine. it still doesnt feel right when I turn it. Still not even turningover or anything. But the new thing is that the dome light and dash light arent even comin on now. No power. I have a new pos. cable going to the solenoid. But now no power at all. I even had my friends s10 hooked up with cables. My truck is on the street in snow. What should I look for? Ground wire, positive cable, fuses??? Thanks for all the help guys. Oh and you dont have to takethe steering wheel off to change the ignition switch. Just take the bolts off the column and drop it down.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 519
Likes: 1
From: Bountiful UT
The ignition switch and accuator are not the same. If you changed the switch on top of the column and It was the problem (which is rare) then it needs to be adjusted. If the accuator inside the column is bad ( very common) then your bronco will never start with the key. When you turn the key does the rod going into the switch move into all positions?? if so the switch is not adjusted correctly or hooked up wrong. Or you have lost power to the whole system. When you have the key in the run position does the steering wheel unlock? and can you move the gear selector into drive?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2005
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You sure you clamed down the positive cable tight enough? I know it seems basic, but I spent weeks trying to diagnose a problem when I tried to start it, all my power would cut out. It was a bad battery terminal mixed with those stupid aftermarket spliced battery cable ends.
but I was able to get by just making sure the battery cable was tighter than I usually have to tighten them in vehicles. If you just changed the positive cable to the solenoid, I'd make sure it's nice and tight.
wouldn't explain your power problem, but some neutral safety switch somewhere is adjusted wrong or something in my Bronco, I sometimes have to hold the shifter up in park to start it.
but I was able to get by just making sure the battery cable was tighter than I usually have to tighten them in vehicles. If you just changed the positive cable to the solenoid, I'd make sure it's nice and tight.
wouldn't explain your power problem, but some neutral safety switch somewhere is adjusted wrong or something in my Bronco, I sometimes have to hold the shifter up in park to start it.
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2004
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,007
Likes: 5
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 347
Likes: 1
From: Buffalo, New York
What a pain in the a$$$. I bought the ignition activator switch that broke just like in the video. I could do it now in like 40 min. Took me like over 2 hours!!! What a stupid design!!!