89 Ford F-150...help!
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
89 Ford F-150...help!
I have noticed recently that the ignition has become difficult to turn to start the truck. This morning I went to crank it, and exhibited resistance as usual but this time something popped and now it spins forward and back(feels sorta loose). Now when you turn it to start it, you see the battery gauge come on as usual, then the check engine light comes on...does not turn over at all..almost sounds like a dead battery(which is not the case). You also hear a click. Could this be the iginition module or the swith/Pin?? Any help would be great!!
Thanks in advance!!
Thanks in advance!!
Last edited by Suzi; Jun 17, 2003 at 03:19 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
From: NE TX
89 Ford F-150...help!
Ignition switch. The ignition module is in the distributor. It has a rod that runs down the steering column. It may have come loose or broke. Some were recalled but I don't rememmber all the years. They replaced my 1990 for free several years back at the dealer. It wasn't a difficult chore though. I've had them out before and most manuals cover it. You have to pull the steering wheel and bottom of steering column if I remember correctly.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
From: Northern IL
89 Ford F-150...help!
1989 was covered under the TSB on the ign. switches. I don't think think your ign. module on the distributer is causing your problems, cuz it will not cause your ign. switch to turn hard.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
89 Ford F-150...help!
It's not the battery, ignition module, or ignition switch. It's the "upper actuator", and it's a lot of work to disassemble the column and replace it. 
Fortunately, it's only ~$20 to buy the part from Ford. 
Fortunately, it's only ~$20 to buy the part from Ford.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
89 Ford F-150...help!
Maybe this help determine the prob. The truck will start if you jump the cylanoid with a screwdriver. I noticed there is a recall to replace the switch. My question is will they still replace the switch eventho the recall was issued in 1995. My husband says it;s not the switch...but shouldn't we get the switch replaced anyway?? Thanks guys for all your input.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
89 Ford F-150...help!
We can start the truck thru jumping the cylanoid but we cannot get it to go into gear to drive it.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
From: NE TX
89 Ford F-150...help!
Follow Steve83's advice. The problem is not in the solenoid switch. The key is not activating the solenoid nor is it letting change gears (presumably it is an automatic). Someone is gonna have to go into the steering column. The ignition switch is lower than the key switch and a rod runs down to it. Whatever is broken (probably actuator) needs to be replaced. Pull the top off steering wheel, then pull it. Take loose the screws shown in the above diagram and the column will come apart. You have to pay attention and put it back together correctly.
The ignition switch doesn't know that the key is at start so the solenoid isn't getting voltage to activate it. Changing the solenoid switch will not accomplish anything beneficial to you.
The ignition switch doesn't know that the key is at start so the solenoid isn't getting voltage to activate it. Changing the solenoid switch will not accomplish anything beneficial to you.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
New User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: USA
89 Ford F-150...help!
look at the diagram above, most likely the problem is the actuator.
Ive had to replace them more than once, and if you have tilt steering it can be a real pain in the but.
Good luck and hope this helps
Ive had to replace them more than once, and if you have tilt steering it can be a real pain in the but.
Good luck and hope this helps
Freshman User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
89 Ford F-150...help!
well, I have the same problem. I though it was the actuator, but it wasn't. I just had the top part of the steering column torn down and couldn't find anything wrong. The ignition rod that the actuator hooks to feels like it is connected, you can feel it go thru its 'detents'. What gives? Is it the switch that it goes to? Also, I noticed that the lock cylinder isn't springy feeling in the start position anymore--any ideas? Another problem now is that the windows and all work even when the key is off or removed, is this related to the other problems?
Freshman User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
89 Ford F-150...help!
well, I just the replaced the switch on the column, not sure if the old one was bad but replaced it anyway. I can put a screwdriver in the slot where the rod goes and it will start. I checked the rod and the actuator and they seemed to be ok. Anyway, the shifter is stuck in park, where is the problem? Did I put something back together wrong? is there anything else I can check?
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
89 Ford F-150...help!
If the switch still has the "feel", but doesn't do anything OR doesn't spring back from START, then it's bad. You were right to replace it.
I don't think the old (pre-'92) columns had any interlock to keep the shifter in Park, so it sounds like you assembled it wrong.
I don't think the old (pre-'92) columns had any interlock to keep the shifter in Park, so it sounds like you assembled it wrong.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
89 Ford F-150...help!
Well, we had the same prob, finally ended up taking it to the dealership to find out exactly whats wrong. Will post when I hear the news, thanks guys for all your help am sure itis what you say, we are just not that mechanically inclined..lol!
Also, when I took it to the dealership, they said there was no recall on the switch. Which is weird since I found out differently on the web. 1989 Ford F-150Lariat 5.0L 2WD.
Have no idea why they said that. Have any ideas? Is there an amount of time you have to have the recall done, or are they lying to me??
Also, when I took it to the dealership, they said there was no recall on the switch. Which is weird since I found out differently on the web. 1989 Ford F-150Lariat 5.0L 2WD.
Have no idea why they said that. Have any ideas? Is there an amount of time you have to have the recall done, or are they lying to me??
Last edited by Suzi; Jun 24, 2003 at 12:02 PM.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 0
From: Live Oak, FL
89 Ford F-150...help!
Now why would the nice guy at the dealership want to lie to you. I'm sure he would be tickled to death to waste his time and money fixing your problem instead of jacking someone else out of theirs.