Engine starts with no key.
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Engine starts with no key.
I have a 1985 F-250 with a 460. I just replaced the starter, the starter solenoid, and the battery, but when i put the connections on the battery, the truck starts right up...while the keys are in my pocket. Also my ignition is a little gummy, and when i start it, i have to turn the key really hard and shake hte steering column. could my ignition be stuck in the start position? any ideas/help would be great. thanks.
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Joined: May 2003
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From: WI
remove the bolts that hold up your column and watch the little steel rod on top of your steering column as you turn the key. It is what connects the key lock to the actual ignition and if its not moving right you should be able to trace the problem from it.
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Ignition switch
I had the same problem on my 1980 ford F-150. The switch at the end of the rod was shot(ignition switch). Replaced and now I'm good to go. Also the wires on the push in plug that goes into the switch were loose and the A/C Blower motor would go in and out. Damn those electrical Gremlins.
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I replaced the ignition switch and it solved the gummy key problem, but the motor still starts when i connect the cables. could it be the battery is too powerful? my old battery was 550 cca and didnt stand a chance at starting my 460 so i upgraded to this one which is 700 cca. i'm completely dumbfounded...any help is greatly appreciated. thanks.
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: North Texas
The cca of the battery do not have any effect on what key position it starts in. I believe my '77 F150 400 has a 970cca battery for example. Stock is about 500cca.
You most likely have a wiring problem.
Is the starter cable on the same side of the starter solenoid as the battery cable? This would give your symptoms.
Reversing the wires on the starter solenoid(studs are labeled S and I usually) will give you this symptom, but only when you turn the key to on. It should not do that with the key out unless there is an additional problem.
You most likely have a wiring problem.
Is the starter cable on the same side of the starter solenoid as the battery cable? This would give your symptoms.
Reversing the wires on the starter solenoid(studs are labeled S and I usually) will give you this symptom, but only when you turn the key to on. It should not do that with the key out unless there is an additional problem.
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I have heard many reasons for the lock cylinders breaking. Some say that its from too heavy of a keychain, and others that its just wear and tear.
My old 87 Chevy Corsica, 86 ford bronco, and 95 ford windstar all start without keys.
Anyone have a cause?
My old 87 Chevy Corsica, 86 ford bronco, and 95 ford windstar all start without keys.
Anyone have a cause?
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Did you get the cables hooked up wright?I had a guy bring an old ford to the shop one day that had this exact problem.He replaced the starter and a few cables and so forth,When he hocked the cable up he ran the positive cable directly to the starter and when it hit battery BOOM the motor was granking over.Wont start though unless your tumbler is in the on position.I am guessing your tumbler is bad.Replace that.
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From: GARLAND, TX
well i had same issue perhaps this might help: in the 1980's f150's. this issue happened overall was told. My truck would attempt to turn engine continuesly without key but when i put key in it would start without the attempt to push key all way just half way.... what i did was the following: new starter motor, new ignition solenoid, fixed wires were getting stick together and boom problem fixed. but yes solenoid is one of the biggest problems on this trucks and wiring. so if your solenoid is good, check your ignition wires bud!!
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lol...get this, i just put the old solenoid back on...i could put the battery cables on, but it wouldn't start ofcourse. then ip ut the new solenoid back on, and i can put teh battery cables on...but still no start...before i couldn't get it not to start and now i cant get it to start...sheeeeesh
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Well, it turns out, it was exactly what i suspected...i'm a moron. i put the ignition switch too low on the steering column and the rod wasn't long enough to engage the start position. So, simple fix, i moved the switch up and boom it starts right up. I still don't know why it kept starting when i hit the battery cables...but it doesn't do it anymore, so ill live with it. Thanks for all yalls help, couldn't of done it without ya.
Trent
Trent
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From: Eau Claire, WI
Originally Posted by BroncJMU
I have heard many reasons for the lock cylinders breaking. Some say that its from too heavy of a keychain, and others that its just wear and tear.
My old 87 Chevy Corsica, 86 ford bronco, and 95 ford windstar all start without keys.
Anyone have a cause?
My old 87 Chevy Corsica, 86 ford bronco, and 95 ford windstar all start without keys.
Anyone have a cause?
~Nate