Key ignition Does Not Work
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New User
Joined: Sep 2005
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Key ignition Does Not Work
My ignition key has no tension and does not turn over the motor i have to go out and turn over by crossing the terminals at the starter coil,any ideas would be nice i have replaced ignition switch and nothing put old on back in and presto after crossing the terminals it started.But like i said turn key nothing happens it is like cutting through butter with hot knife.
PLEASE HELP
PLEASE HELP
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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Hello- Welcome to FTE! I am assuming that the vehicle in question is the 87 F150 in your profile, so I have moved your post to that forum. We need information like that to help you. Check out the list of tech forums we have here. There is a wealth of information and expertise here to help you. There are a number of links in my sig below to help you also. Have fun! 
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 447
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From: Florida
Welcome to FTE!
I am not 100% sure what you are asking here. If the key switch turns very easy, as in there is nothing turning but the key assembly, the small shaft inside the switch may not be turning the ignition unit. Pull it back out and make sure nothing is stripped or broken.
I am not 100% sure what you are asking here. If the key switch turns very easy, as in there is nothing turning but the key assembly, the small shaft inside the switch may not be turning the ignition unit. Pull it back out and make sure nothing is stripped or broken.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 64
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From: N.E. Ohio
I Have the same problem today on my 90 F-150. The ignition key turns to on, the dash lights come on but when the key is turned to "start", it has no resistance. I can feel the rod moving down the column from off to on, but it does not move any further when I turn the key to start. Is there another rod that accuates the starter part of the switch? Should I start by pulling the steering wheel and lock cylinder? If so, how does it all come apart. I can start the truck by turning the key to "on" and jumping across the starter solenoid. Hope someone can help me get "Big Brown" going again!
Thanks. Gary
Thanks. Gary
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 364
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From: Las Vegas, NV
I had this same problem 2 weeks ago and the small "pot metal" piece that slides the rod had broken. Of course I tried to jb weld it with no luck, drilled a small hole and dowled it. After a closer look not only did that piece break but the gear that the key cylinder sits on was really worn and I think that's what lead to the break. The gear or wheel is brass and after 17 years is badly worn down. I found a column from a 92 and the same gear is hardened steel. I haven't been able to replace it yet so I made a rod to use until this wekend. Long story short I guess is to pull the cylinder and check that also.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 64
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From: N.E. Ohio
OK, I removed the plastic column cover and I can see the rod that travels down to the switch assem. If I turn key to on, then take needlenose pliers and push the rod towards the switch, the truck starts. This is telling me my problems are on the upper end. I removed the key tumbler and it looks OK. All I can see is the lock assembly with a rectangular end that fits inside the column. How do I remove the sterring wheel? I took the horn assem off and removed the nut that holds the wheel on. BTW the nut looks like it may be stripped. Any help is appreciated. Gary
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Help
Ok i have a 87 F-150 2wd,the key is not working as i stated before.Is it possible that i stripped the colum where the lock key cylinder goes in i see the shaft for ignition switch slide up and down when i turn the key but i have to start it from the starter selenoid,everytime.I do not want to spend to much money but i am beyond frustrated,can someone let me know if i need to get another column,because this is really frustrating.So if someone can HELP i will really appreciate it.
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 64
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From: N.E. Ohio
Got the steering wheel off. How does the lower plastic ring around the column come off? It does look like the key cylinder is turning the gear full range, so it must be something between that and the bar that goes to switch underneath. I did notice that the ignition key returns all the way to lock without pushing the button under the column that used to be needed to lock wheel and remove key. Does this make sense to anyone? Gary
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 364
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Don't know about the button needed to remove the key. The gear catches a piece that moves the cheap a** part that moves your actuator rod. Same with mine, I could push the rod by hand and it would start. I took the collar off the column that houses the key cylinder that's how I found the worn gear. If you can see the actuator rod end as it comes up to the column you should be able to see the cheap a** part on mine that broke. At first I didn't know it had broken because it slides down into a square type shaft and the piece was broken off in there so I didn't notice it.
I know this is real wordy but I hope it helps.
I know this is real wordy but I hope it helps.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Sep 2005
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Same Here
Ok Guys i found out i have about the same problem dropped steering column and found if i used pliers i could crank engine over.Does anyone know where i can get that part or do i have to order another colum.
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 53
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From: Pearland, Texas
I had this once and I had to do the same thing with the starter solenoid. I finally figured out that the ignition switch had come loose a little bit and the rod wasn't able to go far enough to engage. You might try to just drop the column and then just scoot it up a bit, but make sure the accessories still work because you can move it up too far.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 64
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From: N.E. Ohio
How do you get the lower sleeve off the column without breaking it? It's just a piece of plastic between the lower 2-piece trim ring and the top part that holds the key assem. I think if I get this off I will see my problem. I see the square piece sliding forward when I turn the key. I guess I'll make a trip to the library tonight if I can't figure it out. Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 158
Likes: 1
Have you opened up the column and checked the linkage? My 87 F250 had the same symptoms. A piece of linkage near the lock cylinder inside the column broke (**** poor design in my opinion). You can check by just taking of the two plastic covers that go over the top and bottom of the column near the dash. There should be a linkage rod on top of the metal column that moves back and forth when you turn the key. Turn the key as far forward as you can. Then, grab the rod with vise grips and pust it forward. If the problem is further up the column (toward the key) pushing the rod forward shoud start the truck. Opening up the key and of that column is a son of b^*ch but it can be done with patience and a bright mag light. The only special tool is a steering wheel puller, Autozone rents them. Please note, my truck has tilt wheel. The linkage that broke on my truck goes through the tilt portion of the column. Ford may have used a simpler arrangement on the regular column. Also, if your starting it at the solenoid, I'm assuming you can still turn the ignition on and off at the key. I was able to do this too, for a while. If it's the same problem, it will probably get worse and you won't be able to do anything with the key!