Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

key ignition wont start

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 5, 2013 | 06:41 PM
  #1  
abriel68's Avatar
abriel68
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
key ignition wont start

my 1991 f350 7.3idi is giving me some issues. when i go to start my truck i pull up on my shifter lever(auto), recently it wouldnt start until i pushed on the top of my steering wheel. iits getting harder and harder to start, do i need to replace ignition or tighten up k Imy steering columb? im stumped on this one, thanks for any tips
 
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2013 | 11:45 PM
  #2  
joey2fords's Avatar
joey2fords
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 8
the lock operates an "actuator" which moves a rod which actuates the ignition switch which is mounted on the steering column underneath the dash.

drop the steering column then operate the lock through its positions ... you should see the rod moving up and down as you operate the key. if something looks wrong there you could have a broken or badly worn actuator (common problem).

do a search on "ignition switch actuator" and you will probably get the info you need. maybe someone better at this than i can put up a link for you.
 
Reply
Old Jun 7, 2013 | 06:42 AM
  #3  
tjc transport's Avatar
tjc transport
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,481
Likes: 5,542
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
Club FTE Gold Member
pushing up on the steering wheel to start is usually an indication of the steering column top bearing going bad.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
kr98664
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Mar 17, 2019 07:23 AM
dtgl90vt
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
Nov 11, 2012 02:30 PM
laxslayer
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Sep 18, 2009 04:29 PM
jwdenney2
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
21
Jan 6, 2007 08:35 AM
WHEX7777
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
Jan 13, 2003 09:42 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:53 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-1
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-3
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-5
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-7
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE