Spinning ignition switch?
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Junior User
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Spinning ignition switch?
Hi all,
I got a 86 f-350 2wd truck, just got it 2 days ago! The ignition switch or tumbler is broken , with a key in it the cylinder will spin all the way around in both directions , kidna lame when ya want to start the truck. Just was wondering if its the key cylinder or the switch, the cylinder fells like the stops are there (stop, run, start) but i can go right past and all the way around.
What you think? cylinder or switch?
I got a 86 f-350 2wd truck, just got it 2 days ago! The ignition switch or tumbler is broken , with a key in it the cylinder will spin all the way around in both directions , kidna lame when ya want to start the truck. Just was wondering if its the key cylinder or the switch, the cylinder fells like the stops are there (stop, run, start) but i can go right past and all the way around.
What you think? cylinder or switch?
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
I would vote for tumbler as well, the switch provides catch, but it won't let it go all the way around. Something internal is broken, before you buy parts, may want to be sure the rack inside the column isn't broken.
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Well now i got a new problem
Ok so the tumbler was broke, took me 1 min to replace with a good one, the original one the tip on the very end of the tumbler broke off, just had to pull it out with a needle nose. Lubed it and all good i thought, wrong. Ok so now I have a functioning cylinder but my problem is there is no "spring" feeling when i got from run - start. So i thought hmmm just replace the ignition switch, ok 12 bucks and five minutes later, new switch installed. Adjusted acordingly, still no spring back!
I have read tons of messages on this board and most say that the spring is actually in the ignition switch itself and this is what pushes back the key to run when you let go of it when in start... so whats wrong? My lock cylinder gets all the normal stops when moving, lock - run - start - you can hear the switch click into position each stop, but there is no spring assist.. Is there another spring somewhere i am missing?
I checked the original ford switch and it don't have a spring return in it neither.
I am lost now... this whole cylinder - rod - switch thing is just retarted in my book, sure there cheap to replace the individual components but why so cheaply made.
So where is the spring, or what do i need to adjust now...If anyone has any ideas let me know..
Thanks
I have read tons of messages on this board and most say that the spring is actually in the ignition switch itself and this is what pushes back the key to run when you let go of it when in start... so whats wrong? My lock cylinder gets all the normal stops when moving, lock - run - start - you can hear the switch click into position each stop, but there is no spring assist.. Is there another spring somewhere i am missing?
I checked the original ford switch and it don't have a spring return in it neither.
I am lost now... this whole cylinder - rod - switch thing is just retarted in my book, sure there cheap to replace the individual components but why so cheaply made.
So where is the spring, or what do i need to adjust now...If anyone has any ideas let me know..
Thanks
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
well, you're going to love this... take the ignition switch off again, and then operate the key to see if perhaps there is a bind in the column, it may have gotten bent somehow and is actually binding inside the column... keep in mind that with the switch off, it may not be as bad. It is odd that you continue to have problems with it after all you have done with it.
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Originally Posted by fellro86
well, you're going to love this... take the ignition switch off again, and then operate the key to see if perhaps there is a bind in the column, it may have gotten bent somehow and is actually binding inside the column... keep in mind that with the switch off, it may not be as bad. It is odd that you continue to have problems with it after all you have done with it.
Thanks again..
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 506
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From: Edwards Air Force Base
Originally Posted by brianlr77
......Does anyone know for sure what portion of the whole cylinder - rod - switch combo the spring (for returning from the start position) is located?..
Are you sure you have it adjusted right? Start should be pretty much all the way to the extreme and it is taking me a lot of pressure when just holding the switch in my hand to get it to go to start position since the spring is fighting back hard. I just about bent a screwdriver pushing on it. Acc - Off and On are easy but start is heck to get to without it mounted.
I am talking about the actual electrical white switch that is mounted on the column up under the dash that the wire bundle plugs into. With the switch off the truck, and put in the ACC position, you can actually see the spring inside the switch from teh underside hiding over on the start side. It is almost as big around as a dime and about an inch long. It is a big honking spring!!!
Good Luck,
Lee
Last edited by Lee Lichterman; Sep 21, 2005 at 04:49 AM.
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Oregon
I might be off track, but what did you lube it with? If you used wd40 or something to that effect, it will gum up the lube that was in there. I used a graphite based paste.
My ignition switch was a night mare to get right. It was so stiff to turn that I had to use a pair of vice grips on it. I cant really recall what I did exactly. I think I just took it apart and put it back together until it worked.
My ignition switch was a night mare to get right. It was so stiff to turn that I had to use a pair of vice grips on it. I cant really recall what I did exactly. I think I just took it apart and put it back together until it worked.
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Originally Posted by hungrymonkey
I might be off track, but what did you lube it with? If you used wd40 or something to that effect, it will gum up the lube that was in there. I used a graphite based paste.
My ignition switch was a night mare to get right. It was so stiff to turn that I had to use a pair of vice grips on it. I cant really recall what I did exactly. I think I just took it apart and put it back together until it worked.
My ignition switch was a night mare to get right. It was so stiff to turn that I had to use a pair of vice grips on it. I cant really recall what I did exactly. I think I just took it apart and put it back together until it worked.
I hope to get it solved tomorrow as it's driving me absolutly nuts!!
Wish me luck
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Oregon
Its been about 3 years since I did it. But it seems like I had alot of problems getting the bottem of the switch to line up with the other parts. It was fairly aggrivating. It took awhile to get it apart then back together. Then It would still be stiff.
I was starting to think that the groove in the column was worn. and it would bind up the switch.
I was starting to think that the groove in the column was worn. and it would bind up the switch.
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Originally Posted by hungrymonkey
Its been about 3 years since I did it. But it seems like I had alot of problems getting the bottem of the switch to line up with the other parts. It was fairly aggrivating. It took awhile to get it apart then back together. Then It would still be stiff.
I was starting to think that the groove in the column was worn. and it would bind up the switch.
I was starting to think that the groove in the column was worn. and it would bind up the switch.
I am kinda concerned on one thing though I don't know if my igniton is really off when the key cylinder is in the lock position, cause my radio can power on (stock radio) and your able to listen to it without a key...
Is this normal for a 86?
I never checked that it did or did not come on prior to fixing the switch.
I would hate to have a dead battery cause of it.
The help has been much appreciated!!
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Oregon
I had an aftermarket stereo in mine when I bought it.
if memory serves me right, then there should be a rod, or something that pushes down into the column, that will start your truck.
its hard to describe, Plus it was over 3 years ago since I worked on it.
I think I still have the chiltons for that year. I will go dig through the garage and see if its in there. it might refresh my memory.
if memory serves me right, then there should be a rod, or something that pushes down into the column, that will start your truck.
its hard to describe, Plus it was over 3 years ago since I worked on it.
I think I still have the chiltons for that year. I will go dig through the garage and see if its in there. it might refresh my memory.
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Three oaks michigan
unless ran the wire for power to the radio direct to the battery.. which people are known to do.. lol dunno why but they do.. guess they want a dead battery.. and.. for your spring problem.. i also had the same issue .. but i just kept using mine and eventually started to return.