Not sure if this should go here or in electrical but here goes...
This morning I start my truck and drive in town for some breakfast. When I got back in and turned the key, the pump came on and all the electrical. But when I went to actually start the truck, all I got was a crunch sound and nothing. I turned the key off, turned it...turned it all the way to where it normally starts the engine, and it just turned on the pumps. I couldn't turn it further to start the engine, it just wouldn't go.
It feels like something has broken inside and slipped around a bit.
The ignition switch was replaced about a year ago (it always felt a little crunchy afterwards...not smooth like before but I just thought that was because it was tighter).
My question is, do I need to change just the ignition switch or am I going to have to find a whole new lockset?
I really want to get this fixed before my dad comes over tonight and tries to "fix it quick". The last time he "fixed" my starter motor he ended up beating on my negative battery terminal so hard it cracked the clamp. (I had an easy wingnut attachment, stainless steel...all he had to do was turn them...but I digress.)
~Sarah
Oh and happy St. Pat's everybody!

Edit: The truck is a 1988 4.9 btw

 

the spade terminal on the starter may not be making a good connection.

even taking it of and replacing it may temporarily let it start.

 

Does it have a tilt wheel? This same thing happend in my dads 88 f-250. It ended up being the "ignition actuator rod" ( I am pretty sure I didnt give you the right name for the thing). Its a little POS thing made of really cheap metal in the steering column. I am sure someone else has had this problem. I am very bad at explaining these types of things. Sorry.

 

I am guessing you can start the truck by jumping the terminals at the selinoid? If not you may need a starter. You say the electricals all come on and go off in the right positions on the key switch then I am guessing you have a short in the starter wire between the ignition switch and the selinoid. The ignition switch is actually at the base of the column while the key in the column actuates a rod that operates this switch. You will need to verify power out on the Red-blue striped wire. What is the transmission on your truck? This is important as the clutch has nuetral safety start switch as well as the automatic transmission, just different locations and different ways to repair the switch. Also, if you can verify that the actuator rod is operating properly, e.g. going through the full range of motion, by disassembling the plastic of the steering column just as it goes into the dash and operating the key switch to see this if this fails then the problem may be in the steering column which is a bit more difficult to address. You can either verify power or verify the switch is actuating properly. Either way you have a difficult schedule to check the starter switch out. I have found out the hard way that the starter selinoid can go bad, but mine was stuck in the start position so the truck was always starting. I have had the Nuetral safety switch go bad, and finally the actuating rod in the column broke requiring complete disassembly of the column including removing the steering wheel to replace the part that connects the rod to the key switch. Good luck.

 

quicklook2, I don't think it's the starter motor this time. The truck has been starting fine but this time the tumbler just wants to kind of flop around...Something inside it isn't holding it in place. Sorry if I wasn't clear before, my brain is a bit fried.
Not only is it my anniversary, but my boyfriend was on the way out to my truck and got rearended in his 1987...not a good day at all...but thanks for the advice!!

nnero: My truck doesn't have a tilt wheel but I will be on the lookout for that "POS" just the same. My truck has some odd problems that's for sure. Poor thing was dogged until I bought it. Now I try my best to baby it.

 

Yes it sounds like the ignition switch actuator. As already stated this is a piece of soft metal that connects the key switch to the rod that runs down the steering column to the ign/start switch under the dash.
It is only about a $6.00 part but a PITA to replace. You need to pull the steering wheel then the turn signal mounting plate then the column shroud to get at it.
If you do a search here for ign. switch actuator you will get a lot more information. Hope this helps.
I should add that if you take the the little cover off the column down at the dash (two screws) you may be able to move the rod with a pair of vise-grips and use that to start the truck until you get it fixed (pull the rod towards you).

 

Looks like I'll need the luck then. The key turns well beyond where it should be turning the truck on. It's like the range of motion has slipped back by about an inch. I can get life to the pumps but not the actual starting point, something won't let the key go any further. That actuating rod is probably going to be the culprit after all.
Thanks for all the help! I'll let you all know how it goes. *crosses fingers*

 

alxsnmr explainded about the actuating rod very well. Its a PITA job. We had to do it twice (88 F-250) and a friend replaced his three times (89 F-250). We had tons of electrical issues on that truck. It just takes time to diagnose a problem like this. I am sure you will figure it out. Good luck.

 

i vote actuator also.

 

Sorry it took SO long to get back on here, but I wanted to thank everybody for their advice! You guys are awesome!
It was the acutator rod after all. It was broken in half just a pretty as you please. I will add though that somehow PITA just doesn't quite do it justice, but for the sake of not being at liberty to use every possible expletive imaginable, I'll go with PITA.
At any rate, my boyfriend and I were able to fix it and my baby is back on the road! (and all before my dad could recommend or attempt to change the timing on the engine...it's his solution for almost every automotive problem)
Thanks again!!!!

 

Good to hear your baby's on the road again.

Gotta love Dad. He means well. Wish I had mine here to see my Lil' Raven. (He had a '78 F-100, and I was able to help him with it.) Glad I had the chance.