ignition switch
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More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 683
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From: North Georgia
ignition switch
My 86 f-350 is getting harder and harder to crank. And what I mean by that is the actual motion with the switch itself is hard to turn. I am not to far off of having to put the key in and grab a pair of pliers and use that to turn the switch mechanism. what are my options to fix this.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 332
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From: horton, ks
could try squirting some wd40 in the key hole and work it back and forth to see if it frees up. usually if they get too bad they need to be replaced. theres also a rod that runs on the backside of the steering column that might be out of whack or is seizing as well. just a few things to check out.
Postmaster
Joined: May 2004
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I've had the same symptom for years. My local shop told me "Huh?" (That's why I do my own repairs)
I'm thinking it could also be a bad electrical switch where the rod connects....giving resistance to everything upstream. Let us know what u find.
I'm thinking it could also be a bad electrical switch where the rod connects....giving resistance to everything upstream. Let us know what u find.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Cle elum, Wa.
In case you don't know Scott, the lock cylinder, (where you put the key in) moves a rod that turns on the ignition switch which is under the dash. They are pretty easy to get apart so you can check and see what is binding upand what you may need to replace.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2004
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i would almost put money on, that it is the electrical switch that the rod connects too. the colder it get's outside the harder it turns.that was my problem. in the winter time it would feel like my thumb was going to break turning it. i bought a cheap switch that lasted not even a year but was easy to turn. and as of last week i put the old switch back on to make do until i get one from the dealer. i also replaced the lock cylinder first, but the only thing that did was give me a new set of keys. chech it out first. good luck.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,558
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From: New Zealand
Mine is the same - tight on a cold morning, free on a warm one. Are the LMC replacements good quality?
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
The car parts stores carry all this stuff. The first truck I had, I got a new tumbler from Ford, and the quality was pretty lousy(rough looking chrome and casting) but it worked ok. I bought another tumbler for my 89 from the local parts store, and it looked the same as the Ford dealer part.
I wasn't paying much attention, but I did eventually end up replacing both the tumbler and the ignition switch for other reasons, and the hard turning did go away. You also have to watch out and turn the keyswitch back to the run position manually, or you may find your blower and windshield wipers won't work.
I wasn't paying much attention, but I did eventually end up replacing both the tumbler and the ignition switch for other reasons, and the hard turning did go away. You also have to watch out and turn the keyswitch back to the run position manually, or you may find your blower and windshield wipers won't work.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
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From: Northern California
It could possibly be a bent actuating rod causing a bind, from the tumbler to ignition switch.
A worn ignition switch will also cause this problem.
As for having to turn the key back to the run position for the wipers and blower (Radio) to work, as Franklin mentioned, this can be adjusted so it works properly, on ignition switches in good condition.
A worn ignition switch will also cause this problem.
As for having to turn the key back to the run position for the wipers and blower (Radio) to work, as Franklin mentioned, this can be adjusted so it works properly, on ignition switches in good condition.
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More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 683
Likes: 6
From: North Georgia
update
I replaced the ignition switch instead of the tumbler. It seems to have fixed it. only problem is it doesn't seem as loose as I would like. I am going to see if it loosens up with some time. Atleast I can turn it on a cold morning. thanks for the help guys. Scott.
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