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 PROBLEM

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 15, 2008 | 02:13 PM
  #1  
Fatstrat's Avatar
Fatstrat
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
iGNITION PROBLEM

1988 F-150 w/4.9 6cyld and Mazda 5 Sp manual trans.
For a long time I've really had to push the clutch in HARD, all way to floor, in order to start. Lately, especially when it's cold out, even that doesn't always work. It might bump the starter when I turn the key (w/clutch depressed), or might do nothing. But if I put the truck in neutral and jump the soliniod, it fires right up. Seems to me like some kind of safety neutral type switch. But i can find no reference for this type of switch in my mechanic manual. Any idea'a?
Can it be easily, replaced, adjusted, or bypassed? Thanks
 
Reply
Old Jan 15, 2008 | 03:45 PM
  #2  
dave2's Avatar
dave2
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 446
Likes: 1
From: Germany
You should have safety switch up along your clutch pedal arm. Not sure just where it will be, but look at your brake light switch and then look for something similiar up along the clutch pedal. Are you sure that your ignition switch hasn't worked loose and moves sometimes when you turn the key (and you are just getting lucky with the occasional starts)? I had a problem about like that once.
 
Reply
Old Jan 15, 2008 | 04:43 PM
  #3  
LilDuke's Avatar
LilDuke
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 790
Likes: 0
From: Danville, Pa
The problem is your bushings are worn out on the rock shaft that your clutch and brake pedal arms attach to. To see if this is correct, push down the brake pedal firmly before pushing in the clutch.

The clutch engaged switch is above the gas pedal. A cylindrical tube "switch" that slides on a metal shaft. It has six wires going into the side of it.

I had the same problem with mine. As a temp measure, I took a horseshoe shaped clip(the one from an old pcv filter) and pulled the switch back a little and inserted it.

Ironically I am now working on that tonight. I am installing a new clutch and I don't want to have problems with this one slipping.

So... New rear main seal, valve cover gasket, fix shift plugs, and new shift plate gasket.

I am also removing the entire clutch/brake assembly and installing bronze machine bushings and thrust washers to replace the worn out plastic ones.
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:35 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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