Still can't start... help!
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Central Wisconsin
Still can't start... help!
I thought that the lower ignition rod was broke but when I got everything out and apart there where no broken parts. What could the problem be? Is the key switch bad or what? I check all the wires and connections. Its a 1989 5.0
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,061
Likes: 0
From: Still under the hood in O
Test your starter solenoid (pass fender).
Pull the wire off that just has a push/pull connector. Have someone turn the key to start position while you hold a voltmeter to the wire and a good ground.
I can't remember what the voltage should be offhand but it isn't 12V. Basically look for any voltage.
If voltage is present, try shorting the solenoid. If it starts, replace it.
If no volts at S terminal (push/pull connector) when key in start position...
You can try the quick/easy and usually cheap key switch replacement. If that doesn't work, then it is most likely the ignition switch. Contrary to popular belief the ignition switch is NOT the switch with the key. It's on the bottom of the steering column with all those wires attached. (look in your Haynes or Chilton's under adjusting the ignition switch).
This is of coarse assuming that the battery and all cables are in working order.....(not just at the battery, at the starter and gound too)
Good luck
........that should get rid of Gilligan!
........Sure do miss that SEARCH function (think I'll add that to my sig)
Pull the wire off that just has a push/pull connector. Have someone turn the key to start position while you hold a voltmeter to the wire and a good ground.
I can't remember what the voltage should be offhand but it isn't 12V. Basically look for any voltage.
If voltage is present, try shorting the solenoid. If it starts, replace it.
If no volts at S terminal (push/pull connector) when key in start position...
You can try the quick/easy and usually cheap key switch replacement. If that doesn't work, then it is most likely the ignition switch. Contrary to popular belief the ignition switch is NOT the switch with the key. It's on the bottom of the steering column with all those wires attached. (look in your Haynes or Chilton's under adjusting the ignition switch).
This is of coarse assuming that the battery and all cables are in working order.....(not just at the battery, at the starter and gound too)
Good luck
........that should get rid of Gilligan!
........Sure do miss that SEARCH function (think I'll add that to my sig)
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Central Wisconsin
I'll check it out. But why does my truck start if i tilt the wheel all of the way down. It won't in the normal position. I see nothing broken but i'll check everything again.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,061
Likes: 0
From: Still under the hood in O
OHHH!
You need to adjust the ignition switch. It's outlined in your manual. If you don't have one, get one you need it.
A friend of mine just had a similar situation ('89 4x4) where it wouldn't start unless you pushed the top of the wheel forward. In that case he replaced the center plastic part (don't know the name of it) in the column with one out of a '77 or '78 LTD. That one, by the way, is metal.
You need to adjust the ignition switch. It's outlined in your manual. If you don't have one, get one you need it.
A friend of mine just had a similar situation ('89 4x4) where it wouldn't start unless you pushed the top of the wheel forward. In that case he replaced the center plastic part (don't know the name of it) in the column with one out of a '77 or '78 LTD. That one, by the way, is metal.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Central Wisconsin
My actualy is metal. Its an old farm truck and maybe someone replaced it. I replaced the ignintion switch but man is that thing hard to line up. I can start the truck by manually sliding the switch with a screwdriver. I found out now that the Key lock is bad. How do i pull one of those off? I have a donor truck to get it from. Do I need a special puller?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,061
Likes: 0
From: Still under the hood in O
There is a small hole in the column under the lock. Put the key in the run position and stick a small pick up in the hole. This will depress the lock allowing you to slide the lock out. You may need to lightly turn the lock a little to find the right spot.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Central Wisconsin
I took the key lock out and played with it. I think I need a new one. It turns roughly. Now I also have the problem of not being able to shift the transmission on of park. Does this have anything to do with the lock or the switch? I can get the tuck running but not shift it.
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,061
Likes: 0
From: Still under the hood in O
Can't help ya there, but there is a section in the manual for adjusting the shift pointer. Maybe that answer is somewhere there. Hopefully someone that has had this issue will chime in...
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
New User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
It sounds to me that a piece of the auctuater is broken! (pot metal) It locks wheel and shift position also moves a rod that activates starter swt. It is possable you can start the engine and still not get shifer and wheel to move. If you look closely under the colume you may see a grayish looking piece of square pot metal. See if you can move it downward and out of the way of the lock, use a pick or screw driver. let us know what you are doing on this.
To get it to start the rod has to push a stw at the bottom of colume, sometimes the throw of the stw isnt enough, I have placed a small pair of vice grips on the rod and pushed it that way just to get it home, you will have to look close on top the colume near the dash to see the rod, and attchet it there! The swt on the bottom of the colume is adjustable back and forth to increase or decrease the throw of the rod. good luck
I wish we could post pictures here!
Newbe here! 88 f150, tilt col, 5.0, auto
To get it to start the rod has to push a stw at the bottom of colume, sometimes the throw of the stw isnt enough, I have placed a small pair of vice grips on the rod and pushed it that way just to get it home, you will have to look close on top the colume near the dash to see the rod, and attchet it there! The swt on the bottom of the colume is adjustable back and forth to increase or decrease the throw of the rod. good luck
I wish we could post pictures here!
Newbe here! 88 f150, tilt col, 5.0, auto