Hello From Georgia

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Jan 19, 2026 | 03:17 PM

bentnail

Thread Starter

8th Gear

Joined: Jan 2026

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Hello From Georgia

Just found this site after buying a used but very well kept , albeit high mileage ( 189,000) 2001 F150 Super Crew with the 4.6L engine . I'm not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination, but I can change a part. That said, I have an ignition problem. The key will turn the engine and start the truck and even can turn it engine off, but the ignition cylinder will not turn far enough back to release the key. Thanks in advance to anyone that can offer any advice of whats going with this issue ,before I tear down the steering column to replace the actuator rod, replace the ignition cylinder, which will require a newly programmed key or an new ignition switch.

Best regards.

Jan 19, 2026 | 04:19 PM

charlie g

FTE Community Team

Joined: Dec 2023

Posts: 8,700

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From: sussex county, nj

welcome to FTE

check the switch on the column under the dash attached to the tube,

Jan 19, 2026 | 05:00 PM

bentnail

Thread Starter

8th Gear

Joined: Jan 2026

Posts: 8

Likes: 6

Thanks for reply. What switch would that be?

Jan 20, 2026 | 05:53 AM

charlie g

FTE Community Team

Joined: Dec 2023

Posts: 8,700

Likes: 4,213

From: sussex county, nj

the ignition switch is bolted to the tube under the dash .

Jan 20, 2026 | 06:42 AM

bentnail

Thread Starter

8th Gear

Joined: Jan 2026

Posts: 8

Likes: 6

I removed the ignition switch and started the truck with it and it cycles though run/start/off/accessories fine, nevertheless the key will not release , not even with the actuator rod manually slid forward. The ignition cylinder has to be removed, then the key can be released. Is there something I'm missing. Thanks for your help.
Best regards.

Jan 20, 2026 | 11:47 PM

CathedralCub

FTE Community Team

Joined: Jan 2019

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This is a copy of the original thread over in New Member Introductions.

I think @bentnail is on the right track, but maybe there is some other advice here in 1997 - 2003 F150 ?

Jan 21, 2026 | 12:42 PM

Hit Man X

Lead Driver

Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 9,500

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From: North Texas

Welcome

Hit up charm.li for decent repair data, it is not as good as Alldata nor the O.E. on CD but will get you started.

I would be curious if you can pull the tumbler (easy) and use a screwdriver to actuate the internals of the column