Won't Start unless steering wheel turned
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Won't Start unless steering wheel turned
Hello,
I purchased a 1990 F250 XL Super (7.5 engine w/ automatic transmission) with a long bed yesterday. The starter switch seems to be spent, as it won't spring back into position, and the starter will not turn unless the Steering Wheel is in the exact same position every time.
I can turn the switch to "start" and then simply turn the steering wheel around until I find the "sweet spot". The starter will crank, engine will fire up, and I'll turn the steering wheel out of the "sweet spot" to shut down the starter. Then I'll turn the key back into the run position.
Heck, it works, but I'm worried this is a problem that will only get worse.
I've searched your prior threads here on the site, but have not seen this mentioned before.
Does anyone have any ideas, and a clue on how to fix this?
Thanks!!
JC
I purchased a 1990 F250 XL Super (7.5 engine w/ automatic transmission) with a long bed yesterday. The starter switch seems to be spent, as it won't spring back into position, and the starter will not turn unless the Steering Wheel is in the exact same position every time.
I can turn the switch to "start" and then simply turn the steering wheel around until I find the "sweet spot". The starter will crank, engine will fire up, and I'll turn the steering wheel out of the "sweet spot" to shut down the starter. Then I'll turn the key back into the run position.
Heck, it works, but I'm worried this is a problem that will only get worse.
I've searched your prior threads here on the site, but have not seen this mentioned before.
Does anyone have any ideas, and a clue on how to fix this?
Thanks!!
JC
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: Midwest
I would replace the column lock cylinder as it is bad. But as far as turning the steering wheel to start the truck that shouldn't affect starting as all the components are below the wheel. The only thing I can think of is the ignition switch, the one on the column under the dash(not the key switch) is going out. And by turning the wheel it is moving the rod just enough to hit the start position on the switch. Next time you try to start the truck see if you can't manually move the rod and see if that starts the truck. You should be able to get to it without taking the column apart, if not take the dash panel off under the wheel and there is a shroud, remove it to get to the rod.
T. Roberts
UFD Local 1147
T. Roberts
UFD Local 1147
New User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Ive never had my actual truck column apart but on any car I've ever worked on there is no spring in the lock cylinder. All the springyness is in the ignition switch and its connected to the lock cylinder with a metal rod. I'd just goto the wreckers and grab a new ignition switch. It might be held on with dumb screws that have to be drilled out.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: Midwest
Ignition switch is screwed on. You have to drop the column to get to it. It really isn't that hard to replace. The new switch will come with directions on what position to have the key in when you put the new switch in. There is also a little play on how the switch screws on the column(you can slide it up or down the column a little bit to set it properly.) Sounds like a lot harder job than it is. I replaced both the switches in my 91 in about an hour and two beers.
T. Roberts
UFD Local 1147
T. Roberts
UFD Local 1147
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Cahlager
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
24
May 11, 2020 01:15 AM
shadetree enthusiast
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
12
Sep 18, 2014 03:39 PM
samahi72
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Nov 3, 2013 11:04 AM
mounddog
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
20
Aug 9, 2008 09:31 PM
Stephen_E
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
May 9, 2004 01:50 PM
