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So I've been having a problem with my key switch. I can start the truck and it runs pretty good other than while I'm driving all power to the truck will just stop other than tail lights and head lights. When i start the truck it will run but I have to move the key back from the start position and the power to everything in the truck will work. if I turn the key switch back just a hair it will completely die again. I have changed key switch cylinder as well as the solenoid the key switch goes to.. Any idea on what i may have overlooked?
1990 F-150 XLT Lariat with a 351W
Last edited by ddouylliez; Jan 7, 2021 at 02:38 PM.
Reason: No year make or model
sounds to me like the ignition switch on the column under the dash is failing.
common problem with these older trucks. the ignition switch is a two part unit. half plastic, half aluminum. over time they plastic gets brittle and the two pieces separate.
i have replaced will over 100 ignition switches in these trucks over the past 30 years.
I have changed key switch cylinder as well as the solenoid the key switch goes to.. Any idea on what i may have overlooked?
1990 F-150 XLT Lariat with a 351W
You replaced the ignition lock cylinder but what are you referring to as the “solenoid the key switch goes to?” Are you taking about the solenoid on the passenger fender? If you replaced the ignition switch on the lower column then perhaps you don’t have it probably adjusted.
Yeah, I was referring to the solenoid on the passenger fender. I don't think that is my issue though. I took a good bit of the column apart yesterday evening and I pretty much made the problem worse unfortunately. I removed the key switch cylinder and turn signal switch to make sure anything wasn't out of place. In the process of reassembling, the turn signal switch started working again. (I replaced the turn signal switch twice and it failed again like a month ago). After I completely reassembled, turn signals stopped working again. I'm pretty sure it has to do with my initial key switch problem. So now the key switch cylinder is really hard to turn and the key won't turn back far back enough for me to be able to take the key out unless I remove the whole cylinder. truck won't stay running unless I hold the key almost in the (turnover) position after it's running
There is no “key switch cylinder”. At least in my mind it is confusing what part you are talking about. There is a lock cylinder and ignition switch: two separate parts. It sounds like you disassembled the column enough to have the actuator out of time. That could explain why you cannot turn the key backwards enough. I assume the “turnover” position is START? Did you try adjusting the switch before you torn down the column?
My bad, it's the lock cylinder that won't turn back all the way to remove the key. I was just looking to see if anything was broken or out of place when I was disassembling. I'll have to look into how to adjust the switch. This small issue has me so frustrated but it comes with all vehicle projects lol
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