Intermittent engine shutoff
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 201
Likes: 2
Intermittent engine shutoff
Haven't posted for a while.
I have an 86 F150 302 EFI AOD.
Engine/trans rebuilt about 60,000 miles ago. Truck has 230,000 on it.
Running strong.. many other electrical parts replaced.
Passes California smog.
Problem is every so often while driving engine shuts off.
Rather annoying. I put it in N while coasting and restart.. all is well.
I'm thinking it's my ignition switch on the steering column.. or just below it.
Key switch has been replaced.
Before looking at the manual.. any ideas?
I've taken the steering wheel off before when I replaced the steering gearbox... do I need to go this far, I mean pull the steering wheel, or is the switch activated by a rod down below that's easy to get at?
Or any other ideas as to why the shutoff?
High pressure fuel pump is new.
I have an 86 F150 302 EFI AOD.
Engine/trans rebuilt about 60,000 miles ago. Truck has 230,000 on it.
Running strong.. many other electrical parts replaced.
Passes California smog.
Problem is every so often while driving engine shuts off.
Rather annoying. I put it in N while coasting and restart.. all is well.
I'm thinking it's my ignition switch on the steering column.. or just below it.
Key switch has been replaced.
Before looking at the manual.. any ideas?
I've taken the steering wheel off before when I replaced the steering gearbox... do I need to go this far, I mean pull the steering wheel, or is the switch activated by a rod down below that's easy to get at?
Or any other ideas as to why the shutoff?
High pressure fuel pump is new.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,966
Likes: 2,728
From: Virginia
Have you pulled the codes from the computer?
The ignition switch is under the dash, on top of the column. Take the u-bolts loose that hold the steering column to the bottom of the dash, and let it drop down, and you can see the switch.
If you replace the switch stop and read the instructions first. There is a pin that locates the switch in the proper position. You are supposed to leave this pin in place till you get the switch installed and bolted down, and then remove the pin.
The ignition switch is under the dash, on top of the column. Take the u-bolts loose that hold the steering column to the bottom of the dash, and let it drop down, and you can see the switch.
If you replace the switch stop and read the instructions first. There is a pin that locates the switch in the proper position. You are supposed to leave this pin in place till you get the switch installed and bolted down, and then remove the pin.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 201
Likes: 2
Update on this random engine shutoff.
I took the ignition key off my key ring and use the key by itself to run the truck. Engine doesn't shutoff. Seems the weight of my keyring is turning the ignition off. Never had this happen on other cars.. and I don't really have that many keys on it.
Anybody have idea what to do? Take steering wheel off?
I took the ignition key off my key ring and use the key by itself to run the truck. Engine doesn't shutoff. Seems the weight of my keyring is turning the ignition off. Never had this happen on other cars.. and I don't really have that many keys on it.
Anybody have idea what to do? Take steering wheel off?
Trending Topics
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,966
Likes: 2,728
From: Virginia
There is really nothing up in the column but some mechanical stuff. There is a rod that runs down the top of the column to underneath the dash that controls the ignition switch, which is under the dash.
You can buy a new lock cylinder for the top part from the parts store, they keep them in stock. But this will give you a new set of keys also.
You can buy a new lock cylinder for the top part from the parts store, they keep them in stock. But this will give you a new set of keys also.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,971
Likes: 2
my engine doesn't randomly shut off, only when i'm about to get hit by oncoming traffic on a left hand turn situation haha.
I give it gas, and all she gives me is a dead stereo and some sputtering haha
i think my truck is hypoglycemic and wants to take naps instead of avoiding traffic
:/
any ideas?
I am computer geek
, not so much mechanically inclined
lol
I give it gas, and all she gives me is a dead stereo and some sputtering haha
i think my truck is hypoglycemic and wants to take naps instead of avoiding traffic
:/any ideas?
I am computer geek
, not so much mechanically inclined lol
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
switch, jiggle it towards you a bit, see if it helps.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 201
Likes: 2
Franklin, thanks for your reply. I did replace the column keyswitch about 4 years ago. I might do it again ... do you think this will help? it's cheap and easy so I'll try it...or maybe live with just a reduced keyring. Kind of annoying to have it cut off .. always at the wrong time! And no,,,,my radio doesn't quit too....all electrical is on, just engine cut off.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
Franklin, thanks for your reply. I did replace the column keyswitch about 4 years ago. I might do it again ... do you think this will help? it's cheap and easy so I'll try it...or maybe live with just a reduced keyring. Kind of annoying to have it cut off .. always at the wrong time! And no,,,,my radio doesn't quit too....all electrical is on, just engine cut off.
It sounds like you have a worn ignition switch. Located where Franklin said on the column. Either that or you have a ton of keys on the keyring.
I recommend only having keys on your ignition key ring, pertinant to the trucks operation. Keep all your other keys on another keyring. This way you don't prematurely wear out components, and when you hand your keys over to the tire shop, or mechanic, etc... you don't have to seperate them or give them your entire key alotment.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 201
Likes: 2
Have some more info.
I don't think it's the ingnition switch.
When driving it doesn't shut off on the first outing.
When the truck is fully warmed up and I stop for 20 minutes
at the store... and then come out and drive away.. I start having intermittent
engine shut off. Like something heats up after you turn the truck off and is too hot. Truck doesn't overheat.
I just pulled the codes on the KOEO test and it passed with #11
However, I'm getting a Continues code of #18
"Loss of Tachometer input/IDM circuit failure/SPOUT circuit grounded."
Anyone know what this means? I'm thinking a new distributor or ignition module.
I don't think it's the ingnition switch.
When driving it doesn't shut off on the first outing.
When the truck is fully warmed up and I stop for 20 minutes
at the store... and then come out and drive away.. I start having intermittent
engine shut off. Like something heats up after you turn the truck off and is too hot. Truck doesn't overheat.
I just pulled the codes on the KOEO test and it passed with #11
However, I'm getting a Continues code of #18
"Loss of Tachometer input/IDM circuit failure/SPOUT circuit grounded."
Anyone know what this means? I'm thinking a new distributor or ignition module.