Ignition Key not 'Springing' back to Run
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Junior User
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Ignition Key not 'Springing' back to Run
The ignition key on my truck does not spring back to the run position after it's positioned to the start position. It can hold itself in the start position until I manually turn it back to run after start. Is this something as simple as replacing the ignition cylinder with a new one or is there some other spring in the system I'm unaware of?
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,960
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From: Greater Austin, Texas
The ignition switch, which is located on top of the column, down close to the firewall, is responsible for the 'spring' action. I would start by pulling that out and operating it manually with a screwdriver to see if it is still 'springy'. If it is, then you will have to check for binding in the key tumbler mechanism up near the steering wheel. You can also pull out the key lock cylinder and then operate it with they key to make sure it turns freely.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,106
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From: Virginia
Sounds like the actuator has failed. My truck did that and for a while it didn't bother me. Then one day it would not start. Fortunately, it was in the driveway when this happened. The ignition switch has some spring-back pressure. When you start, this actuator is pressed against a larger spring in the column. If it is the actuator, you have to lower the column and remove the steering wheel, remove the turn signal switch. If it has tilt wheel, the uppermost hub must be removed. There are some expanded views of the column out on the web.
This actuator is for my model, with tilt wheel.
Advance Auto Parts: Search Results for actuator
Good luck.
This actuator is for my model, with tilt wheel.
Advance Auto Parts: Search Results for actuator
Good luck.
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Junior User
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Sounds good. This will be the project for next weekend. I bought one of those actuator pins anyway as it sounds like they're prone to failure and I don't need the headache of not having one with me when it goes. Thanks again.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2013
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From: California
What year is your truck? If it's '92 or newer and tilt wheel, you should only have to remove the pesky plastic covers, then I think there are some screws holding in the turn signal stick (not 100% sure if there were screws, it's been a while). Then it just pops in and out. You shouldn't need to remove the steering wheel
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It's a 1991. Yes, I'll test the switch first and if that's the problem, that's that. But for short money and a 24 year old truck, I'll keep the actuator on hand just in case. Anyone have a picture or part number of the ignition switch I'll be looking for?
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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
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Junior User
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Just to close this out, I checked the switch on top of the steering wheel assembly and the spring was working fine. I removed the steering wheel to change the turn signal switch and found that the key ignition was gummed up pretty bad. A cleanup after and the spring action is back. I may have used a little too much lubricant because I've burnt out two 15 amp fuses with the new turn signal switch. Separate inquiry on that to follow.
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Jun 12, 2006 08:46 AM