1994 E150 Won't start

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Jun 18, 2003 | 11:07 PM

kelouise

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1994 E150 Won't start

I have a 1994 E150. My key will go in the ignition but will not turn. Someone told me this happens to Fords a lot???

The interior light will come on and the door will buzz when I put the key in the ignition, but no other signs of life.

The steering wheel is locked into position, the gear shift will not move out of park and the ignition will wiggle the tiniest bit.

I've thought of hot wiring it, but it has a security package that goes crazy when wires are tampered with. I am not a mechanic as you can tell from this. I'm just a woman trying to figure out how to get the van started so I can go to work in the morning.

help!

Jun 18, 2003 | 11:20 PM

steve83

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From: Memphis, TN

1994 E150 Won't start

Try pulling the steering wheel to each side - sometimes, if you're steering when you turn the engine off, the wheel can lock because the power steering WAS helping you turn it UNTIL the engine died.

Jun 18, 2003 | 11:36 PM

kelouise

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1994 E150 Won't start

I did get it started when my friend yanked the wheel from side to side...I mean yanked...but I can't do that every time I start it. How is this problems solved? What needs to be replaced?

Jun 19, 2003 | 12:09 AM

steve83

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1994 E150 Won't start

Just make sure you let go of the steering wheel before you turn the key off. That will let the steering relax and it won't load up the steering column when the engine dies.

Jun 19, 2003 | 10:10 PM

kelouise

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1994 E150 Won't start

Thanks, but it is too late. It is locked up again and stuck in front of the garage door. Any suggestions besides wiggling the steering wheel?

Jun 19, 2003 | 10:21 PM

pfogle

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From: Oak Harbor, OH

1994 E150 Won't start

that's the only way to get it to turn. Mine does it occasionally, just pull the steering wheel one way or the other, I usually pull it left about 1/2 an inch and the key turns fine.

Jun 19, 2003 | 10:32 PM

steve83

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From: Memphis, TN

1994 E150 Won't start

If you want to check something likely, pull the steering wheel (you can buy an inexpensive tool to do it yourself) and look at the peg sticking out of the column just below the lock cylinder that engages the toothed ring on the hub of the steering wheel. If it has a notch worn into it, it can catch the ring and not allow the key to turn. It's on the top of the "Upper Actuator" pointing to the left at the "O" in "INSTALLATION".

If that turns out to be the problem, get someone to replace it. The labor is a pain, but it's not an expensive part. The NON-tilt column is much easier to work on.

Last edited by steve83; Jun 19, 2003 at 10:35 PM.