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1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Ignition switch?

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Old Aug 21, 2022 | 05:18 AM
  #1  
Petey86's Avatar
Petey86
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Ignition switch?

92 F-150, key won't turn at all in the ignition. My 1st thought was the ignition cylinder itself had crapped the bed, 2nd hunch was the actuator rod. However, the following symptoms have me now thinking ignition switch, and I'm hoping to get either some confirmation of my suspicion or a confident nudge in another direction.
  • As mentioned, key won't budge in any direction
  • With the key removed, the ignition cylinder can spin (for multiple full rotations) both backward and forward
  • Radio remains on with the key removed and will not turn off (I suspect I'll find a dead battery soon)
  • The truck is in park, fully engaged as far as I can tell, but I feel like there's a little more play in the lever than I'd like to be feeling
  • Steering column is locked, and cannot be freed by movement / jiggling of the steering wheel and / or key
  • Brake pedal is firm
  • Unrelated as far as I know, but possibly worth mentioning because I've been surprised in the past: 1.) The door buzzer has been disconnected. 2.) The driver's side door panel is off and the power window/door lock control pad is disconnected
Also, regarding the removal of the ignition cylinder, if and when it comes to that, any tips or tricks on the easiest way to do so (without the ability to turn the ignition to ACC and depress the detent pin) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, and hope y'all are having a great weekend 👍
 

Last edited by Petey86; Aug 21, 2022 at 05:21 AM. Reason: Added information
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Old Aug 21, 2022 | 06:56 AM
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Originally Posted by Petey86
92 F-150, key won't turn at all in the ignition. My 1st thought was the ignition cylinder itself had crapped the bed…
  • As mentioned, key won't budge in any direction
  • With the key removed, the ignition cylinder can spin (for multiple full rotations) both backward and forward
  • Radio remains on with the key removed and will not turn off (I suspect I'll find a dead battery soon)
Yes

So the lock cylinder will not turn with the key but does turn with it? Is the whole lock cylinder turning or is the outer ring turning while the tumbler stays still? In either case I’d say you need to replace the lock cylinder. It could be that you are turning the outer ring and not actually turning the cylinder so the switch isn’t actually moving positions. It’s been a while but I’m pretty sure you you turn the key to RUN in order to be able to push in the pin to release the cylinder from the column.
 
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Old Aug 24, 2022 | 12:01 AM
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Petey86
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Originally Posted by My4Fordtrucks
Yes

So the lock cylinder will not turn with the key but does turn with it? Is the whole lock cylinder turning or is the outer ring turning while the tumbler stays still? In either case I’d say you need to replace the lock cylinder. It could be that you are turning the outer ring and not actually turning the cylinder so the switch isn’t actually moving positions. It’s been a while but I’m pretty sure you you turn the key to RUN in order to be able to push in the pin to release the cylinder from the column.
Sorry I was pretty unclear on that, and I appreciate you taking a few minutes to help me reckon this. You're correct in that only the outer ring spins, I have to bring it back to "zero" in order to line up its opening lengthwise with the keyhole of the tumbler in order to get the key in. But key in, it's locked up solid, won't advance at all to ACC or RUN. And I agree that either way I'm looking at a new cylinder. I guess the radio issue is what had me wondering about the switch (or rod) being faulty as well. Couldn't think of any other reason for it staying on other than thinking it's in ACC. Being a 92 i think we're pre- accessory delay here.
 
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Old Aug 24, 2022 | 05:55 AM
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Correct. There is no delay for the radio. It turns off with the key and ignition switch. Replace the ignition lock cylinder which you know is defective and reevaluate.
 
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