Weird wiring problem i need help big time
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New User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Weird wiring problem i need help big time
Hey guys,
I bought my truck about 8 months ago and when i drove it home i noticed a slight problem that needs fix asap. When i turn the truck off, and turn the key backwards to take it out, it goes into accessory mode and leaves the radio on. When i turn the key to the point where nothing is on, i cant pull the key out, i have to turn it farther back to get the key out and then the radio stays on. Then i either have to leave the key in the ignition or pull the neg battery cable. This is driving me nuts
. I think the problem is in the column because the column used to be a column shift out of a lincoln. but they took that off and put a ratchet style on the floor. What is not aligned right in the column??
Any help from you guys would be awesome. i can take pics and post them if need be.
its a 64 f100 stepside.
I bought my truck about 8 months ago and when i drove it home i noticed a slight problem that needs fix asap. When i turn the truck off, and turn the key backwards to take it out, it goes into accessory mode and leaves the radio on. When i turn the key to the point where nothing is on, i cant pull the key out, i have to turn it farther back to get the key out and then the radio stays on. Then i either have to leave the key in the ignition or pull the neg battery cable. This is driving me nuts
. I think the problem is in the column because the column used to be a column shift out of a lincoln. but they took that off and put a ratchet style on the floor. What is not aligned right in the column??Any help from you guys would be awesome. i can take pics and post them if need be.
its a 64 f100 stepside.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Just a guess, 
sounds like the problem may be in the switch mechanism, the prior owner may have replaced the old lock and did not install the replacement correctly, or tried to remove the old lock without the key and damaged the switch, in either case, suggest removing the lock then reinstall and see if it corrects the problem. Check the switch for any damage and also that it's properly secured to the dash. If the switch has to be removed then best to hold the bezel, or face, then turn the switch from the back so the dash is not scratch.
To remove the lock, insert the key and turn lock to 'access' position. Then insert a paper clip, or something simular, in the small hole on the face of the lock mechanism, and continue to turn the key counter clockwise, lock should come out. Suggest take a few minutes and study the components, the lock mechanism has a pin and switch is slotted, the paper clip is used to preload the lock so it's in a position where it can be inserted into the slot in the switch, or in the same position it had to be in to remove it. Sorry for the pathetic instructions, read them and does not make any sense to me.
sounds like the problem may be in the switch mechanism, the prior owner may have replaced the old lock and did not install the replacement correctly, or tried to remove the old lock without the key and damaged the switch, in either case, suggest removing the lock then reinstall and see if it corrects the problem. Check the switch for any damage and also that it's properly secured to the dash. If the switch has to be removed then best to hold the bezel, or face, then turn the switch from the back so the dash is not scratch. To remove the lock, insert the key and turn lock to 'access' position. Then insert a paper clip, or something simular, in the small hole on the face of the lock mechanism, and continue to turn the key counter clockwise, lock should come out. Suggest take a few minutes and study the components, the lock mechanism has a pin and switch is slotted, the paper clip is used to preload the lock so it's in a position where it can be inserted into the slot in the switch, or in the same position it had to be in to remove it. Sorry for the pathetic instructions, read them and does not make any sense to me.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
From: N.W. Mo.
In the column there is an actuator that is moved by a gear that is turned by the lock cylinder. It sounds like the gear and actuator are not in time.
Hard to explain the mechanics of it but not all that difficult to check and fix if necessary. If they are out of time you can remove the lock cylinder then remove a snap ring that will let you remove the gear and put it back in the correct position with the actuator.
I guess it could also be that the ingntion switch mounted on the column below the dash could be that far out of adjustment. If so put the key in the off position where the key will come out and see if the switch will slide up or down enough to turn things off.
Try the switch adjustment first.
Hope this is not too confusing. Not easy to put in print.
Hard to explain the mechanics of it but not all that difficult to check and fix if necessary. If they are out of time you can remove the lock cylinder then remove a snap ring that will let you remove the gear and put it back in the correct position with the actuator.
I guess it could also be that the ingntion switch mounted on the column below the dash could be that far out of adjustment. If so put the key in the off position where the key will come out and see if the switch will slide up or down enough to turn things off.
Try the switch adjustment first.
Hope this is not too confusing. Not easy to put in print.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 31,948
Likes: 2,405
From: Upstate NY
I have worked on these switches and it still sounds confusing. I would reccomend a good manual, or at least an exploded veiw of what you are working on, be it column or dash switch. Sometimes you have to keep looking at something before the light comes on. Other times you need to walk away and when you come back you see it clearly right away!
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
In the column there is an actuator that is moved by a gear that is turned by the lock cylinder. It sounds like the gear and actuator are not in time.
Hard to explain the mechanics of it but not all that difficult to check and fix if necessary. If they are out of time you can remove the lock cylinder then remove a snap ring that will let you remove the gear and put it back in the correct position with the actuator.
I guess it could also be that the igntion switch mounted on the column below the dash could be that far out of adjustment. If so put the key in the off position where the key will come out and see if the switch will slide up or down enough to turn things off.
Try the switch adjustment first.
Hard to explain the mechanics of it but not all that difficult to check and fix if necessary. If they are out of time you can remove the lock cylinder then remove a snap ring that will let you remove the gear and put it back in the correct position with the actuator.
I guess it could also be that the igntion switch mounted on the column below the dash could be that far out of adjustment. If so put the key in the off position where the key will come out and see if the switch will slide up or down enough to turn things off.
Try the switch adjustment first.
The reason why the OP is having problems with the lock cylinder is....the BRASS gear has stripped, which is very common with these column mounted lock cylinders.
The problem is with the brass gear only, not the actuator, not the rod from the actuator to the ignition switch, or the switch itself.
The gear is still available from Ford, but there is more than one type...depending on what year the column is from.
One gear was used thru 1973, another from 1974 thru 1991, a third from 1991 to today.
Besides the snap ring and brass gear, there is a polished flat bearing in there too.
