As soon as you remove the plastic cowling from around the steering column, 2 screws accessible from the bottom, you should be able to tell the cause of the problem. I'm almost certain you will find a broken actuator. Very common with the '87 to '91 Ford trucks.

 

Actuator broken... but not where I expected.
Now, going to pull the pivot pins, roll pins, and replace the actuator.

Wish I had a machine shop nearby that would custom cut me one out of a different material.

 

 

it's likley the upper actuator. Doubt it's broken...just needs lubrication.

 

 

I find myself in the same boat as Snowcrash47,

"The way mine switch is now, there is no spring in it now so it doesn't go to start and spring back to run. I have to turn the switch all the way until it stops to put it in run mode with the dash lights lighting up and then use a push button to start it. Does this sound like the actuator, the ignition switch or both?"

How do you "set up" the actuating rod and the column switch internal position to correctly operate the ignition? After replacing any broken parts of course.

Thanks

Geoff

 

What year and model truck do you have?

 

"91 F150 xlt lariat w/tilt, cruise and 5.0 and aod.

I bought the truck, recently (2 wks ago), it needed the key and cylinder replaced. It had the key "horns or wings" or whatever they are called twisted right off but there was still enough to grab a hold of carefully to turn the cylinder. Looking in through the key hole/slot you could see that the inside was not properly lined up. I was able to get the cylinder out even without the key and replaced it with one from auto zone. So now there is a key for the truck. However it needs to be turned all the way to the start position just to get the truck turned on and a push button on the lower right of the dash is used to engage the starter. When rotated back to the lock position (there seems to be a bit of slop i.e. movement with nothing happening) it does lock the wheel and it will turn beyond to the acc position but nothing there works. Accessories that is, don't work in that position.

So I am trying to learn what might be needed to be repaired as I go along here also including the myriad of other problems as well. What can I expect from a $1500 truck that has been so obviously abused that even I don't believe the 93,975 miles on the clock. Turn signal switch, left rear brake light (not the bulb or ground), Hazard lights, power windows, door locks, rear fuel pump and both tank gauges. More too, including mechanical stuff. I'll have lots to do so it's good that I'm retired, I guess.

Geoff

 

If you haven't already removed the cowling from around the steering column, you will need to do so to investigate. 2 screws accessible from the bottom side to remove the cowling. You may have to drop the steering column to remove the cowling. Fairly easy to drop the steering column, 2 or 4 small bolts under the dash area accessible from the bottom.

Once the cowling is removed, it should be fairly easy to see the problem. If you are really lucky, the position of the switch would just need adjusted. If the actuator is broken, not nearly so easy.

 

actually I'm having the same problem and I've got a new ignition lock cylinder and I've got a new ignition switch both installed still had the same problem so it's actually the ignition actuator and if anybody has any diagram on how this looks please let me know

 

welcome to FTE. what year truck?
how to fix it depends on the year.

 

1999 f350 7.3l

 

This is the wrong forum for your truck. This is the 1987-1996 F-Series forum. You should ask in the 1999-2016 Super Duty forum.

 

I already have but none have answered thanks anyway.