Another ignition interlock

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May 20, 2020 | 07:03 PM

Dgilling

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Another ignition interlock

My 1997 E350 started being difficult to start. I thought it was typical Neutral Safety switch issues. The NSS was aligned properly, so I decided to replace it. First problem: my switch was a 12 pin and the only replacements are 11 pin. The Ford dealer said the 11 pin was a replacement for the 12 pin, so I installed and aligned it. Second problem: symptoms have stayed the same.

is there another switch or interlock I should check? My steering column was recently replaced...

Thanks

May 21, 2020 | 04:52 AM

JWA

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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio

What does "difficult to start" mean exactly; post symptoms.

The shift interlock has no effect on the starting function or its circuits.

May 21, 2020 | 11:50 AM

Dgilling

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Quote:

Originally Posted by JWA

What does "difficult to start" mean exactly; post symptoms.

The shift interlock has no effect on the starting function or its circuits.

When I turn the key I hear a quiet clunk and nothing. In the recent past pulling the shift lever further into the park position was a symptomatic cure. I have replaced the shifter barrel and the two nuts at the end are tight. I replaced the neutral safety switch and I am still not getting starter action, just a soft clunk. Thanks

May 22, 2020 | 05:09 AM

JWA

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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio

^^^Then your problem could be the physical ignition sliding switch. It might have failed completely or come loose from the column and not being actuated by the key cylinder mechanism that moves it through its functions.

When you turn the key to "run" or "accessory" does the power come on and illuminate the instrument cluster? Does the "accessory" position allow the radio to play? Sorry to ask the hard questions but what is a "soft clunk"? Something in the steering column or does it sound like the starter or starting solenoid is trying to engage?

May 23, 2020 | 06:40 PM

Dgilling

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All the lights come on when the key is turned. The soft clunk sounds like something trying to engage... The same noise as when the gear selector isn’t far enough into park. Prior to this, I could pull the gear shifter with my left hand and it would mostly work. Or, putting it in neutral would allow it To start. Now nada. I just put in a new neutral safety switch. It s an 11 pin, but the one I removed was a 12. Ford said the 11 is a replacement for the 12. I’m Going to check it again to confirm it is aligned. Thanks for the help.

May 24, 2020 | 01:43 PM

Dgilling

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Further. I replace the NSS. The ignition switch was replaced within a couple of months and seems to be working correctly. Thunking noise when attempting to start seems to be coming from the inside middle of the dash?

May 25, 2020 | 05:38 AM

JWA

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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio

You might want to remove the lower dashboard trim panels, fit yourself into the foot well of the drivers side facing upward and trying to start the van so you can spot were this sound might originate. Looking at the starting schematic for your year I don't see any relay or other device located inside the cabin that would make such a sound.

I have to suspect something inside the steering column isn't functioning as it should Who did the swap and from where was the replacement column sourced?