I'm a "newbie" here.....but I've had my truck since it was born in 1991, so I'm not a newbie when it comes to my truck.

But....this is a new one.

The other day (in the Walmart parking lot) I tried to start the truck and it ignition key went past normal and stayed there.....wouldn't return and didn't engage the starter.

Dash lit up like normal, windows would roll down, radio etc....all fine....but no start.

It's a standard so I figured the clutch switch failed so I bypassed that.....still nothing.

So....I used an ice scraper to hold the clutch down by wedging it against the seat.....turned the key on.....and used a screwdriver on the solenoid to spin the starter and it spun.....but would not start.

I don't think the fuel pump engaged......but I'm not sure.

So...I googled it and the vast majority of responses were a "common problem" with the 80-91 trucks......the ignition activator switch breaks.

So....I tore it down and that is not the problem, it looks just fine.

But, behind it I can see where something broke.....I don't know what broke, but something is not there anymore.

I don't even know the name of the part, and frankly, I haven't figured out how to get it off yet.

There is a "knuckle" (it's a tilt steering column) that prevents it from sliding on up the column. The knuckle looks like there is a pin that holds it together but I rapped on it a few times with a punch and a hammer and it didn't move.....so I quit doing it.

Does anyone have any experience with this?

I searched the site and didn't come up with anything, so I apologize in advance if this has been beat up quite a bit....I didn't find anything.

I'm attaching a photo......and I'd appreciate any help I can get.

Right now....I'm kinda stuck.



This is where it appears that something is missing.

 

I think I figured it out......that is the broken piece still in the hole.
It was driving me crazy!!

Now, to get it out and install the new piece and then......see if I can get it put back together......that is probably going to be the hardest part.

 

That broken piece is the ignition switch accuator. Oriellys sells them. Not to bad to get out but u got to tear down the column a little bit. Did it not to long ago on my 1990

 

Yea, by the time I figured that out I had it tore down more than necessary.....but oh well....next time I will know. IF there is a next time......that one lasted 25 years

 

This probably would have been handy about 24 hours ago: Ignition Actuator Replacement on an '85 w/tilt - Ford Bronco Forum

 

It's still handy, thanks for the help

 

I just replaced mine again I was just glad this time it didn't break while I was about to get smashed by a haul truck good news is it started one more time

 

I didn't want to tear mine down anymore so I cut the end off....and that is supposed to let me remove the keys without having to use two hands.

We'll see when I get it put together.

If that is the case....I like it better!

 

You could just pull the lock out it takes a snap ring as I recall