So here is the problem I was out and about today climbed in to my 1996 F150XL the truck started just fine but when I went to turn it off the key just spun around and did nothing. The truck contiued to run even with the key out as I was driving down the road. Got the truck home and managed to kill the engine. ANyone have any Idea what the problem is ?

Thanks in advance.

 

My guess would be that the actuator in the steering column has become disconnected. This connects the key switch to the ign/start switch on the steering column under the dash with a rod.
You may be able to work the ign/start switch manually with a pair of pliers on the rod untill you can do a fix.
Do a search here for ignition actuator and you should get plenty of info.
Post back if you have any questions.

 

Sounds exactly like the upper actuator, which is available from Ford for less than twenty bucks. It's a pain to change, as you have to pull the steering wheel.

You can do what I did when it broke in my 1990. Unbolt the ingition switch from the top of the column, near the firewall, and let it hang. You can use a screwdriver to move the internal switch between all the positions as a temporary fix. You'll just need the key to unlock the steering wheel.

 

Thanks for the input. I went ahead and took off the ingition switch and now I can start and shut off the engine with ease.

again thanks for the help