:-X23 Today my ignition switched crapped out on me. The key turns to the on position but when turned again to start there's nothing, not even a springback. Able to start the truck by jumpering the starter.

 

It's more likely the linkage BETWEEN the lock cylinder (where you put the key) and the ignition switch (under the dash on the R side of the column). Is your column tilt? That would make it even MORE likely - that type of linkage is famous for breaking, and it takes some patience to replace it, but it's not expensive. In either case, pull your column shroud (the black plastic tube between the wheel & the dash) and observe the operating rod as you turn the key - if it doesn't move front-to-back, it's NOT the switch, and you'll have to pull the wheel & the top of the column to repair it.

 

No it's not a tilt. What a bummer. It's frickin 18 below zero right now. I'm not looking foward to this but thanks for the info.

 

I have replaced this part twice, think it's called an actuator. It seems to last me 100,000 miles then it breaks. It's a cheesy little die cast aluminum part that gets a he** of a lot of force put on it.

The latest dealer parts seems to have the high stress radii filled in a little. The OEM production parts had pretty sharp inner corners and you could predict the failure point very easily.

When I replaced mine the second time I seemed to have more parts at the end of the job than when I started! Everything works OK so I guess they were just extra parts!

1989 F-150 XLT Lariat 4.9 M5OD RC LB 215,000 miles
2003 F-250 XLT 6.0 6speed CC SB <----- on order

 

OK, the connecting rod moves back and forth when I'm turning the key. I'm assuming the module on top of the column underneath dash is the switch box. Do I have to remove the column support bracket to get at that box?

 

Probably not - it should just have 2 nuts, but you need to unplug the big connector first. It's bakelite, so be careful not to break it.

 

It is much easier to get at the switch if you remove the 2 bolts that hold the column support bracket to the dash and lower the column down but you dont have to remove the whole bracket.

 

It is the actuator up in the column. It's broken in such a way that it doesn't push the rod far enough to the start position. Got the replacement for $13. Now all i have to do is open the column up. Hmmm, it's -18 out this morning. Maybe I'll wait a bit.