Ignition Switch Lock

IDI87 · May 15, 2017

So I went to start my truck 3 days ago and the ignition switch went all the way to start but it wouldn't crank. When I let go of the key the switch didn't come back from start. I also cant get the truck out of park. I tried a new ignition switch and I still cant get it to work. I have tilt steering so I haven't had to tear into the steering column yet. Any ideas? I tried googling it but I couldn't find anything on this. Truck is a 1987 F350 with a C6 Auto. If I turn it to start and jump the solenoid the truck will start.

shawn deere · May 15, 2017

are you talking ignition switch where the key goes or ignition switch where the rod and wires connect on the top side of the steering column above the pedals?

IDI87 · May 15, 2017

I replaced the key switch.

Clb · May 15, 2017

There is a linkage or something in the vicinity of the key switch that came apart in my 88, pita to get at...
Look for that, then hunt the thread here also.
Good luck.
Cb

IDI87 · May 15, 2017

Can't it be easy? Just once lol?

tradergem · May 15, 2017

You probably need to replace the ignition lock actuator, which means r&r the steering wheel. Not really that hard if you have a steering wheel puller.

Check this out: http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/1987/ford/f350/steering/steering_column_lock_actuator.html

chillman88 · May 15, 2017

Well from what I've seen it's probably more than just the actuator.

Here's a link to changing the actuator https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/871146-help-with-ignition-actuator.html

If it's something else you probably will find it upon disassembly of the column.

I had a similar problem, I posted here https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1485903-ignition-switch-woes.html

Turns out apparently the gear behind the ignition cylinder likes to break. That could be your problem. It could also be the "upper actuator" like I need to replace.

I would say check the actual switch on the column near the base, but I believe the shift interlock is mechanical so it shouldn't be affected by the switch on the base of the column.

You really aren't going to know until you pull your steering column apart. Sorry, I know it sucks.

theSHERPA · May 16, 2017

Similar thing happened to my non tilt column. Figured now was the time to upgrade, so I bought a tilt and I am refreshing it before install.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

bbjordan · May 16, 2017

I got the same problem with my '86. I decided to put in a start button, just like the new cars. lol

So, I decided to pull the steering column apart to check it out. Someone had been there before me. There is a broken bolt where the puller bolt is supposed to go. Sigh, mutter mutter mutter.

IDI87 · May 16, 2017

Thanks guys. Guess I'll be ripping into it this weekend. Sigh........

Knuckledragger · May 16, 2017

Before ripping, try replacing the actual switch at the base of the column, above the pedals. It costs about $7 and is way easy. If that is found not to be the problem (or not the only problem), THEN start tearing things apart.

The actuator rod, gear and other sliding parts up near the key sometimes break, mostly just get sticky after 25-35 years of working pretty well. Could be you only need some lubrication (WD-40 is not a lubricant!) to get functionality back.

IDI87 · May 16, 2017

There was a lot of grease that looked like it came from the inside.

franklin2 · May 16, 2017

If you can't get it out of gear, it's more than just the electrical switch.

If you need the truck, take the collar off from around the column down near the dash. Turn the key back and forth you will see a rod moving up and down. Turn the key as far as it will go, and then take some pliers and grab that rod and push it down toward the cluster. The truck should crank up.

Then get a small screwdriver and look at the upper part of the column where the rod comes from. Up there will be a silver square piece that looks like a piece of keystock. Push back on this piece of "keystock" till the shifter lever will move. This piece of keystock has a notch in it, and this notch has to line up to the shifter mechanism before the shifter will move.

IDI87 · May 16, 2017

Thanks Franklin2, I do need the truck I have a loaded trailer I need to move. And not having the truck is killing me.

chillman88 · May 16, 2017

I'm glad Franklin2 cleared that up. I have a manual so I had no idea how the shift interlock worked.

Make sure you let us know what you find when you get in there!

Ignition Switch Lock

IDI87

Full Access Member

shawn deere

So many wrenches, so little time...

IDI87

Full Access Member

Clb

Another old truck

IDI87

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tradergem

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chillman88

Supporting Member

theSHERPA

Full Access Member

bbjordan

Snow Monkey

IDI87

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Knuckledragger

blowing chunks and grabbing porcelain

IDI87

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franklin2

Full Access Member

IDI87

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chillman88

Supporting Member

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