intermitent power to ignition
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 4
From: Michigan
intermitent power to ignition
95 f150
Just recently, three or four times, when I turn the key I get nothing. The idiot lights are very dim and the 4x4 and 4lo lights come on dim. I turn the key off and on a couple times and they eventually come on full like normal. The truck then starts right up. The battery is good as it has no trouble cranking otherwise. This all happens before the start position is engaged. I have put some miles on the vehicle since this has happened but I'm sure it will happen again. Any ideas would be appreciated. Maybe ignition switch itself or a relay? I posted in the 87 to 96 forum with no luck. Maybe you electronic gurus can help.
Just recently, three or four times, when I turn the key I get nothing. The idiot lights are very dim and the 4x4 and 4lo lights come on dim. I turn the key off and on a couple times and they eventually come on full like normal. The truck then starts right up. The battery is good as it has no trouble cranking otherwise. This all happens before the start position is engaged. I have put some miles on the vehicle since this has happened but I'm sure it will happen again. Any ideas would be appreciated. Maybe ignition switch itself or a relay? I posted in the 87 to 96 forum with no luck. Maybe you electronic gurus can help.
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
Usually the problem is mechanical in the column. But yours doesn't seem to have those symptoms. I would go ahead and replace the ignition switch. It doesn't cost too much, and won't be money wasted. It's mounted on top of the steering column, under the dash. If you drop the column u-clamp down so the column drops some, you can see it easier.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,971
Likes: 2,731
From: Virginia
The parts store has them. www.partsamerica.com(which has local stores with different names all over the country) has them for about $17.00. I have an aftermarket one in my truck, and it has been ok for the past 2 years.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Michigan
Is there anything else in there I should replace while I have it apart? Is there some sort of rod that the switch actuates? Is this a wear item or don't bother, just replace switch. I appreciate the help Franklin2.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
There is a piece that gives problems, but it is up in the top of the column, and you have to take the steering wheel and a bunch of other stuff off. The usual symptom for that breaking is you can turn the key and the dash lights and other stuff lights up, but you can't get the engine to turn over.
The ignition switch is on top of the column under the dash, so you should not have to get inside the column. The new switch will come with a locating pin. Follow the directions(I think you need to leave the key in off) and leave the pin installed until you get the rod located in the hole, and the switch mounted tight. Then you can pull the pin.
The ignition switch is on top of the column under the dash, so you should not have to get inside the column. The new switch will come with a locating pin. Follow the directions(I think you need to leave the key in off) and leave the pin installed until you get the rod located in the hole, and the switch mounted tight. Then you can pull the pin.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Michigan
I didn't see any pin other than the one that moves the switch. I installed it and it works properly. I just hope that was the problem. I wish they were all that easy to fix.
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Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 4
From: Michigan
Happy Thanksgiving all. Well it happened again. I was out shoveling the snow(first snowfall here in MI), and noticed coolant leaking on the driveway(that's another issue). I turned the truck off, and when I went to start it again, same problem as before. Dim dash lights and no power to start. I tried turning the key back and forth for a while. Eventually, full power again and it started right up. Please, if you have any other ideas, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Lake Tahoe, Nevada
If the switch didn't do it, I think my next step would be to check the ground circuits. Could be as simple as a battery terminal cleanup, but check all your ground connections to insure that they are CLEAN and tight.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 23,666
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From: Easton,Ks
Originally Posted by Bdox
If the switch didn't do it, I think my next step would be to check the ground circuits. Could be as simple as a battery terminal cleanup, but check all your ground connections to insure that they are CLEAN and tight.
Try changing battery cables (BOTH).
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Michigan
Battery connections are good and tight. Less than a year ago I replaced the entire battery cable assembly with the Ford replacement. Positive, negative and all grounds. It came as a whole unit, not cheap from the dealer. I was thinking, what is the next thing to get power when key is turned to ON pos after the ign switch. Is there a relay? Maybe fuel pump relay?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 23,666
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From: Easton,Ks
Originally Posted by alz
95 f150
Just recently, three or four times, when I turn the key I get nothing. The idiot lights are very dim and the 4x4 and 4lo lights come on dim. I turn the key off and on a couple times and they eventually come on full like normal. The truck then starts right up. The battery is good as it has no trouble cranking otherwise. This all happens before the start position is engaged. I have put some miles on the vehicle since this has happened but I'm sure it will happen again. Any ideas would be appreciated. Maybe ignition switch itself or a relay? I posted in the 87 to 96 forum with no luck. Maybe you electronic gurus can help.
Just recently, three or four times, when I turn the key I get nothing. The idiot lights are very dim and the 4x4 and 4lo lights come on dim. I turn the key off and on a couple times and they eventually come on full like normal. The truck then starts right up. The battery is good as it has no trouble cranking otherwise. This all happens before the start position is engaged. I have put some miles on the vehicle since this has happened but I'm sure it will happen again. Any ideas would be appreciated. Maybe ignition switch itself or a relay? I posted in the 87 to 96 forum with no luck. Maybe you electronic gurus can help.
I will try to come up with some answers as soon as I find out what we are working on.
Is this a Diesel Truck?
What engine?
What Transmission?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 23,666
Likes: 301
From: Easton,Ks
Originally Posted by alz
Battery connections are good and tight. Less than a year ago I replaced the entire battery cable assembly with the Ford replacement. Positive, negative and all grounds. It came as a whole unit, not cheap from the dealer. I was thinking, what is the next thing to get power when key is turned to ON pos after the ign switch. Is there a relay? Maybe fuel pump relay?