Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Ignition access

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 15, 2006 | 12:08 PM
  #1  
oarhead61's Avatar
oarhead61
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Ignition access

Hello all,
Does anyone know if the return spring for the ingnition switch is in the key assembly or in the steering column? I put in a new switch as per the manual and the key will not return. There's definetly something funky going on as the truck wouldn't shut off by key with the previous owner. I wouldn't know cause I can't get it running. The run lights are on as soon as I connect the battery as per my previous post. There was an alarm but I took it off. I think there's an issue inside the steering column. Short maybe? Any help would be appreciated.
91 F-150
300CID 5sp
 
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2006 | 12:36 PM
  #2  
Lazy K's Avatar
Lazy K
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,402
Likes: 10
I think your problem is in the electrical part of the ign. You will find this switch on down the steering column under the dash. It is connected to the key switch by two actuator plates and a long rod running down the column.
 
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2006 | 01:17 PM
  #3  
oarhead61's Avatar
oarhead61
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Thanks for the reply. I've heard of this "long rod". It's been mentioned as a possible problem by some other folks. Does anyone know if I should remove the steering wheel for this or am I better off just dropping the column?
 
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2006 | 03:58 PM
  #4  
tjc transport's Avatar
tjc transport
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,429
Likes: 5,509
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
Club FTE Gold Member
down under the dash on the steering column, in the area above the brake pedal is the ignition switch. there is a 1/8 inch or so rod going into it from up top behind the steering wheel. the switch is held onto the column by 2 bolts, either 1/2 or 7/16 head size. take the switch off the column, and with a small screwdriver work the switch through the full range. if the truck starts and shuts off this way, then you problem is in the actuator cam in the top of the column behind the wheel. the cam is around $13 from ford. and takes anywhere from 2 -9 hours to put in, depending on your level of experience pulling wrenches.
 
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2006 | 09:15 PM
  #5  
bear1956's Avatar
bear1956
Junior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: northern minnesota
I had to change one a while back and i didn't get it in right the first time and the key wouldn't spring back either,took it back out looked at the old one to see where everything was positioned replaced and it worked fine don't take for granted the new one from the parts store is set correctly 1990 f150 4x4 5.0v8 at,ac
 

Last edited by bear1956; Apr 15, 2006 at 09:17 PM.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Ranger Gord
1997 - 2003 F150
1
Dec 9, 2012 05:13 PM
BillC1009
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Aug 12, 2012 07:53 PM
DUPPY
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Nov 12, 2009 01:34 AM
hogdogs
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Jun 10, 2008 06:50 AM
mrmadhat96
Electrical Systems/Wiring
5
Jul 28, 2007 12:22 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:58 PM.

story-0
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-2
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-6
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!

Slideshow: Ranking the 5 things owners love about their Super Duty and 5 things they don't

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:36:49


VIEW MORE
story-8
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!

Slideshow: Ranking all 12 Ford truck engines available in 2026.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 13:32:20


VIEW MORE
story-9
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)

Slideshow: The best Ford F-150 deal for every trim level (XL through Raptor)

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-21 15:59:01


VIEW MORE