1992 F150 302 - Won't start with key fully turned.

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Jun 16, 2024 | 09:51 AM

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Thread Starter

Trailering

Joined: Jun 2024

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1992 F150 302 - Won't start with key fully turned.

Hey, I have a little problem going on, not life threatening or anything just annoying.

Whenever I go to start the truck, I have to find kind of a "sweet spot" with the key that is before a full crank. It feels slightly erratic as far as positioning, and sometimes has to be a VERY precise spot.

Could this be a problem with the Ignition Lock Cylinder? How would I go about testing for this? No related codes when I jumped the test connector either, just 1-1 KOEO and 1-3 KOER.

Thanks!

Last edited by adjustments; Jun 16, 2024 at 10:07 AM.

Jun 17, 2024 | 08:38 AM

1Butcher

Cargo Master

Joined: Mar 2007

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Won't start or crank? Big difference.

Jun 17, 2024 | 02:11 PM

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Thread Starter

Trailering

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@1Butcher I suppose I mean start? The engine fires up and runs fine, the key just has to be in a small awkward spot before full engagement as opposed to just turning the key til it won't turn anymore.

Jun 17, 2024 | 04:54 PM

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Thread Starter

Trailering

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Also, I replaced the Ignition Lock Cylinder b/c it was under warranty, didn't fix the issue.

Jun 18, 2024 | 09:04 AM

1Butcher

Cargo Master

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I'm lost on your wording.

The engine cranks but does not run, right?

You need to hold the key in a certain while the engine is cranking for it to start, right?

If the engine is cranking and does not want to run, it's missing fuel or spark. Maybe both. Pick a system and find out what is missing.

Jun 18, 2024 | 09:17 AM

rla2005

Fleet Owner

Joined: Oct 2005

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From: Kentucky

Try starting the engine with the shifter in the Neutral position. If the "sweet spot" issue is resolved then check the two shift cable connection torx screws near the base of the steering column. Those are known tho loosen up.

If the problem remains you could have a failing ignition switch, lower steering column on the side, or the nylon ignition switch actuator is failing (also a common issue).

Jun 18, 2024 | 02:34 PM

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Thread Starter

Trailering

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@1Butcher Sorry if I was unclear. The engine runs fine, and it's not cranking or attempting to start while I fish for the sweet spot. It's binary, either it cranks and starts running when I hit the spot, or it is doing nothing.

@rla2005 My truck is a manual transmission (should have specified, my bad), so I'm not sure if the shift cable fix applies to me. I'm thinking you're right about the nylon switch actuator.

Last edited by adjustments; Jun 18, 2024 at 03:17 PM.