Notices
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

Interesting Electrical Problem

Old Feb 27, 2016 | 12:51 PM
  #1  
Lights_Guy3's Avatar
Lights_Guy3
Thread Starter
|
New User
5 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Oakland
Interesting Electrical Problem

Have to start by saying that when it comes to chasing down electrical issues, I'm a total idiot.

That being said:

When the truck is not running, and I turn the ignition to the "Run" position, the radio starts ups, the dash panel illuminates, gauges start moving, etc. All expected. When I turn the ignition to "Start", get the motor going, and then back to "Run", some electrical stuff goes out:

The radio loses power, and the fuel, oil, and temp gauges lose power and go to zero.

If I turn off the ignition, then return it to the "Run" position without starting the motor, all things return to normal.

The issue just arose this morning.

Anyone got ideas on where to start looking for problems?

Thanks

Truck is 82 F150 XLS 4wd, manual
 
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2016 | 01:07 PM
  #2  
ctubutis's Avatar
ctubutis
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Club FTE Gold Member
Welcome to FTE.

Most likely the key tumbler assembly is sticking and it's not fully springing back to RUN from START; try juggling the tumbler a bit and I'll bet all the electrical stuff will come back to life. If it turns out that's not the problem, the next things to investigate are the ignition switch itself (located on top of the column behind the dash and which contains the actual spring that does the work) and the mechanism that activates it (connected to the key tumbler).

You did a very nice job of diagnosing & describing the issue, all the necessary detail is there; you may describe yourself as a total idiot but I think you're not giving yourself enough credit, I wish more people would follow your example.
 
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2016 | 01:21 PM
  #3  
Lights_Guy3's Avatar
Lights_Guy3
Thread Starter
|
New User
5 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Oakland
Originally Posted by ctubutis
Welcome to FTE.

Most likely the key tumbler assembly is sticking and it's not fully springing back to RUN from START; try juggling the tumbler a bit and I'll bet all the electrical stuff will come back to life. If it turns out that's not the problem, the next things to investigate are the ignition switch itself (located on top of the column behind the dash and which contains the actual spring that does the work) and the mechanism that activates it (connected to the key tumbler).

You did a very nice job of diagnosing & describing the issue, all the necessary detail is there; you may describe yourself as a total idiot but I think you're not giving yourself enough credit, I wish more people would follow your example.
That did it! I'm happy it was something so simple.

In the '80-'86 Sticky I found a link to an Ignition Actuator Replacement that details how to take apart all the guts in that area. Perhaps tomorrow when I have some time I'll get in there and try to unstick that tumbler. Maybe a good cleaning or some graphite would help.

Thanks again ctubutis! Here's hoping that future issues are as simple as this
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jgostrenga49855
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
31
Mar 6, 2013 04:50 PM
mrblonde
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
10
Jun 5, 2007 06:39 AM
tuke
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
2
Nov 2, 2006 10:33 PM
95_4x4_jay
Ford Inline Six, 200, 250, 4.9L / 300
8
Feb 8, 2006 07:25 AM
EdsonFarm
Electrical Systems/Wiring
4
May 18, 2004 02:05 PM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:26 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 10:59:05


VIEW MORE
story-2
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
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-4
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-5
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

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


VIEW MORE
story-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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