Key won't turn far enough to operate starter. It actually turns farther than I remember but still does not operate the starter. I can hear the solenoid click once I think and sometimes it will actually operate the starter and start. Is it the neutral switch? or something else like the key switch. Your help would be appreciated.

1990 E350/460

 

does it start in neutral?

if not it could be faulty starter or check electrical connections to the battery and starter first.

 

When it starts it will start in park or neutral. The thing is that you turn the key as far as you can until it comes to the stop, which is farther than it had to be turned in the past. Sometimes it will acuate the starter sometimes it won't.

 

I would guess you have alot of keys on your key ring with alot of weight ? Ford switches are notorious for wearing out, I've worn them out in my vans. Lots of keys on your keyring seem to accelerate the situation, Ken

 

If thats a tilt column you probably have a broken ignition switch link. It is pot metal and a very commonly broken part.

 

Right about the ring of keys and also about the tilt wheel. Have replaced ignition switches before but where is the pot metal switch link located?
Thanks for your help.

 

the ign. switch is on top of the column below the speedo
a stiff wire connects the tumblers to the switch
the switch has a bad habit of coming apart also
it is also adjustable up and down on the colomn

 

How do you get to the switch and the link. Is it necessary to drop the column?

 

that is the easiest way
remove the trim panel under column and unbolt the column from the dash support
also remove trim around the column and switch

 

Thanks, turns out it is the horse shoe shaped die cast part which operates the switch. Cost $125 to repair.