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I have an 83' automatic 302 and it seems when it is over 40 degrees none of these problems happen, but as soon as it gets cold out all these little problems arive. The first one I am confused about is that it seems that my truck is harder to put into gear when I first start it up. Should I be worried about this or just let it warm up first. Another thing that goes along with it is that I have no power to my radio, heater or anything else untill I put it into drive. I am not sure if those two are linked but it seems to be in some way.
Another weird thing is the stalling that happens, again in the warmth I have no probelem. Should I ajust my idol or not? If I do is this going to creat a problem when it summer roles back around? There are some more things that seem to be effected by the cold but I will leave it at this for now.
Referencing the cold weather / hard to get into gear / no power to radio or heater problem: it sounds as if something in the steering column or ignition switch may be worn. Do you have a lock that prevents the truck from being taken out of park unless the key is switched on? (I can't recall if the '83's had this). If so, there may be a common element among the above mentioned problems in the linkage running from the ignition lock. With the key switch also controlling power to your accessories, your ignition switch / lock assembly and / or linkage to the gear selector may be worn. In colder temps, worn parts which may have normally slid past each other may be binding, as whatever grease or lube that's on them is hardening up. I may be off base, here, but just wanted to offer a suggestion.
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 03-Jan-02 AT 11:09 AM (EST)]Lots of older Fords have this ignition switch problem. When it is cold, start the truck, and then wiggle the switch a little bit till it finds home, and then all your electric stuff will work.
When it's really cold, you may find you have to turn the key backwards to disengage the starter.