Hello all, I could use some help. In my 1990 f150 I turn the key forward all the way but the starter does not engage. The key does not spring return.. I know something is broken but I just not sure what to fix. Cane anyone give me some advice? I did search but I didn’t see anything that matched. Thank you in advance.

 

Most likely the actuator(the thing that connects the key tumbler to the ignition switch) has broken. Not a fun thing to replace. There are some good write ups on the internet on how to replace it though.

 

yup, broken ignition actuator. $15 part, but takes two - four hours to replace, depending on your level of mechanical ability.
here is a very good writeup on how to replace it:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...-actuator.html
and a video:

 

Hi, thank you for the info. One change, the key turns freely and does not turn on the power to the vehicle. i should note too that i had to install a starter button becuase when the key went wonky it no longer engaged the starter. Does this change things?

 

not really, it could still be the actuator.
but before tearing it apart, try reaching up the top of the column and feel for a small 1/8 inch rod. this goes from the actuator down to the ignition switch on to of the column in ht area of the brake pedal. if the rod moves through the whole range of key turn, it may be a bad ignition switch

 

Awesome! Thanks so much. I'll try that.

 

what i do when suspecting the switch or actuator is drop the ignition switch. if i remember correctly it is two bolts, 7/16 wrench. then i remove the rod and work the switch with a screwdriver in the rod hole. if it works in all positions and the plastic/aluminum connection is tight, then it is up in the top of the column and most likely the actuator.

 

ok, it took me awhike to actually get to fix it as you can see fromt he time lapse. lol.

So, i followed all the advice above...excellent by the way. it was a smooth disassembly to get to the actuator but, my actuator actually broke inside the sleeve that it slides in. i am not sure what to do. When i tried to grab the tiuny piece sticking out, i pushed the rod even further inside. i then tried to drill a small hole to try and use a screw extrator (it seemed like a good idea at the time) but to no avail. i then tried to remove the tilting mechanism and got the pins out and removed the split ring but the assembly wont come off. Is there another way to get the actuator out without having to remove the tilt steering? Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.

chris

 

Update:

I fixed it! i ended up having to drill out the actuator and pull the pieces out with forceps. To reach it with the drill bits that i have, i had to remove the tilt steering mechanism which was fun putting back together with that spring. i also changed the ignition switch.

Thank you for all the help!!!

 

nice! now we can call you Doc croy772, I got to do mine it keeps dinging even with key out, until I tilt steering wheel up, Scndsin had a post about which key you needed, just dont remember where it was, the 5 cut, one is it then you can get locksmith to do the cut for door locks, and not have 2 different keys, along with the bone head glove box key, you have to carry! makes no sense...no sense at all!