Another Starting Problem (I'm close)
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Another Starting Problem (I'm close)
Well this one finally happened. The ignition switch was always hard to turn, and the previous owner said Ford replaced the switch on a Recall. It had been getting harder to turn, and would only start when it was turned all the way, so I guess the ignition switch is worn out. Now nothing happens but a slight light click under the dash somewhere. I can bump start it fine, so it points to the ignition switch. Now I don't enjoy taking a steering column apart, but I've heard something about a "wite box" under dash near / on bottom of steering column?
Is this the switch, and is it mechanically operated by some linkage in the column??!! Where do I start on this? Moving the neutral safty switch in park or neutral while trying to start doesn't change anything either.
Any guidence on proving the location of the problem would be appreciated, thanks.
Is this the switch, and is it mechanically operated by some linkage in the column??!! Where do I start on this? Moving the neutral safty switch in park or neutral while trying to start doesn't change anything either.
Any guidence on proving the location of the problem would be appreciated, thanks.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Des Plaines, Illinois
It's probably your ignition actuator and not the switch.
The ignition switch mounts to the top of the column near the firewall. If you lower the steering column you can get to it.
If the switch has just moved over time, you can shift it up towards the wheel and tighten it down and probably be good to go. If the actuator has broken (often a hard to turn ing cylinder or one that spins free) it'll need to be replaced. Do a quick search for lower actuator and you'll get the info you need for that job.
Or if you're lazy like me, you can drop the switch off the side of the column and let it hang. To start/stop my Lariat, I use a screwdriver =).
EDIT: Yes, the switch should be white. It's on the column, not in it, so you don't need to tear anything apart. The actuator on the other hand will require you to tear into the column.
The ignition switch mounts to the top of the column near the firewall. If you lower the steering column you can get to it.
If the switch has just moved over time, you can shift it up towards the wheel and tighten it down and probably be good to go. If the actuator has broken (often a hard to turn ing cylinder or one that spins free) it'll need to be replaced. Do a quick search for lower actuator and you'll get the info you need for that job.
Or if you're lazy like me, you can drop the switch off the side of the column and let it hang. To start/stop my Lariat, I use a screwdriver =).
EDIT: Yes, the switch should be white. It's on the column, not in it, so you don't need to tear anything apart. The actuator on the other hand will require you to tear into the column.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Wisconsin
The box on the bottom of the column is the ignition switch then running into that is the ignition rod which is being pushed by the actuator cam I ran into alot of problems w/ my 89 F250hd figured out it was the NSS but never replaced that just wired up a good ol' push button.
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I'm done! You guys are GREAT! This site has never failed to get me right to the fix. I just used my finger-cam, and a 7/16 socket after droping the fuse panel cover, and adjusted it up a notch. Now it's like new, and not hard to turn at all!
THANKS AGAIN!!!!!!!
THANKS AGAIN!!!!!!!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Des Plaines, Illinois
Glad to hear it. It's a fairly common problem. If I'd done my research I probably would have learned to move it up a tad and I wouldn't have broken the actuator in my frustration, and then wouldn't have to carry a screwdriver to make the truck go and stop.
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