Problem with ignition switch
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New User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: midwest
Problem with ignition switch
Good ol' North Dakota winters...-30 and -55 wind chill this morning.
Good times...
Anyway...I went out to start my 89 Bronco and I turned the key into run and then tried to start it and something snapped. The key will still turn the ignition into run and acc. but it won't start it. I've read a few of the other posts about ignition switches but I’m not sure how to tell if it’s the key cylinder or the actuator or the ignition itself.
Could someone please tell me how to maybe troubleshoot this so I know how to fix and maybe save a little $$$ in the process.
Thanks in advance.
Mike E.
'89 EB Bronco/ 5.0L
Good times...
Anyway...I went out to start my 89 Bronco and I turned the key into run and then tried to start it and something snapped. The key will still turn the ignition into run and acc. but it won't start it. I've read a few of the other posts about ignition switches but I’m not sure how to tell if it’s the key cylinder or the actuator or the ignition itself.
Could someone please tell me how to maybe troubleshoot this so I know how to fix and maybe save a little $$$ in the process.
Thanks in advance.
Mike E.
'89 EB Bronco/ 5.0L
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
The only way I know to tell for sure is, to take the ignition switch out and check it. If you remove the ignition switch make sure that you mark it’s position on the steering column first, just in case you have to put it back in and before you lower the steering column make sure that you disconnect the small cable that goes to the gear selection indicator. If you lower the steering column just a little you’ll see it on the right hand side. I hope this helps. Good luck.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 392
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From: The South
Yeah, Definitely take note of the gear selection indicator wire. I broke mine. No biggy, you just count the clicks... but it would sure be nice to have that back!
You might have broken the little piece that goes between the key cylinder and the ignition switch. if it is that piece that is broken I know there were previous posts about it and there should still be some pretty detailed posts on here about how to fix that one... its really easy. (that sounded redundant didnt it)
One quick check is can you shift the truck. I know when I broke my doohicky (The thing described above) I couldnt shift the truck. Just one thing you might check
Good luck
McNabb
You might have broken the little piece that goes between the key cylinder and the ignition switch. if it is that piece that is broken I know there were previous posts about it and there should still be some pretty detailed posts on here about how to fix that one... its really easy. (that sounded redundant didnt it)
One quick check is can you shift the truck. I know when I broke my doohicky (The thing described above) I couldnt shift the truck. Just one thing you might check
Good luck
McNabb
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,526
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From: Round Rock, TX
You may have broken the actuator for the ignition switch. Check out this thread:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...hreadid=189701
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...hreadid=189701
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 392
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From: The South
THATS THE NAME OF IT!!!!!
I didnt go to all that hassle. I took my column apart to where I could pretty much get to everything. Then I took my actuator down to the basement and used a grinder on it to shorten it a little bit. Not enough to defeat its purpose or to hinder its working in any way, but just enough for it to go in with minimal persuasion. Havent had a problem with it yet.
McNabb
I didnt go to all that hassle. I took my column apart to where I could pretty much get to everything. Then I took my actuator down to the basement and used a grinder on it to shorten it a little bit. Not enough to defeat its purpose or to hinder its working in any way, but just enough for it to go in with minimal persuasion. Havent had a problem with it yet.
McNabb
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New User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: midwest
Thanks for all the help guys!!!
I'll tell ya how I figered out what was wrong and then how I fixed it for other people searching.
I started by taking the steering column apart to where I could see the ignition switch and the push rod. I turned the key to run and the push rod moved forward but when i turned the key to start the rod move to the side to figured that it had to be something out of line in the actuater.
So i took the wheel off and the connection plate for the cruise and turn signals. Then slide the column casing off and replaced the actuator.
Again thanks for the help with this...learned alot!!
Mike E
I'll tell ya how I figered out what was wrong and then how I fixed it for other people searching.
I started by taking the steering column apart to where I could see the ignition switch and the push rod. I turned the key to run and the push rod moved forward but when i turned the key to start the rod move to the side to figured that it had to be something out of line in the actuater.
So i took the wheel off and the connection plate for the cruise and turn signals. Then slide the column casing off and replaced the actuator.
Again thanks for the help with this...learned alot!!
Mike E
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