ignition problem............on my truck.

[stangeater]

Okay, I know this is SHOforum, but I figured some of you smart ford guys could help me out a bit.

I have an 88 F-150 4x4 auto transmission. The key has always been kinda hard to turn, especially when it gets colder. I just figured it would need a new key cylinder, and I'd fix it when it broke...............well the other day it broke. The key turns, all the lights come on, but the engine doesn't turn over. There is NO resistance on the key, it turns like it's doing nothing. I got a new cylinder thinking that was the problem, but it still does the same thing. Something must be broken in the ignition??

Anybody ever deal with anything like this in the past?
Thanks for any help in advance!
Jeff

 

[stangeater]

Sorry, I just noticed that I posted this in the V8 section............how the heck did I do that? Anyway....sorry.

 

[SHOZ123]

Broken actuator between the tumbler and the ignition switch probably. Usually a plastic rod I think. You also have to almost totally disassemble the column. I believe it would be easier to replace the column with a JY one if you can find one. May be the only way to get the parts needed.

 

[93rev2sev]

X2

It's probable that your actuator has a stripped tooth or 2.

 

[stangeater]

Yeah, It looks like you have to pull the steering wheel to get the column off? What a pain! Would I need the whole column off of a JY truck, or just the ignition itself?

 

[randy'sho]

jeff, you need a 1986 chevy converter rack....this along with a 1972 monte carlo column bearing and a 1988 metro shaft carriage and you will be all set! total turn around time should be less than a year if you have any experience! RP

 

[stangeater]

jeff, you need a 1986 chevy converter rack....this along with a 1972 monte carlo column bearing and a 1988 metro shaft carriage and you will be all set! total turn around time should be less than a year if you have any experience! RP

You dork. Actually, I was wondering if you'd fix this for me? hahaha When you come over tonight to look at my sub wiring!!! I'll be looking for my new sub speaker also.......................it'll cost ya!

This job souds like a pain in the butt! Besides the fact that I'll have to work on it in my yard unless I can cross the starter somehow and get it running so I can pull it in my garage! I have to hurry before it snows again, or else we don't have a plow!

 

[NCTaurusSHO]

alot of times the main switch mounted on top of the steering column torwards the firewall start to come apart and dosent alow the sliding mechanism to move all the way or jam up. I have replaced manny of those switches in our shop. All you have to do is take the bolts that hold the colum up and let it rest on the seat then 2 nuts hold the switch to the column and unplug the harnes also when its off stick a little screwdriver in the switch and manualy work it to see if it starts. Make sure you line the rod coming down from the key cylinder lines up in the slot of the switch when you reinstal .A real basic simple job

 

[bacernate]

There's a toothed actuator in the column that snaps on these older trucks. Very inexpensive part 10-15 from your local stealership. Not too dificult to replace if your mechanically inclined. Could also be the ignition switch itself. Look on the top side of the column and turn the cylinder and see if the metal rod moves at all. If it does unbolt the switch and slide the hole with a screw driver and see if it starts if not you've got a bad switch.

 

[stangeater]

after looking, I think it's the actuator. I picked one up today, and will be trying to get it installed tonight. I need to get it going so I can plow my driveway!

 

[randy'sho]

after looking, I think it's the actuator. I picked one up today, and will be trying to get it installed tonight. I need to get it going so I can plow my driveway!

mine too freak! haha