Will an ignition switch go all out or what?

[02x72]

Last night I went out to start the truck, it cycled the plugs jut fine but when I go to turn the key nothing happens. The ignition switch is about a year old, the previous owner installed it in the column. I replaced the tarted relay and check all the wiring, and it was fine. I dont have a helper so I havent been able to check that Im getting 12v to the wire that goes from the switch to the relay. But can a switch work for the plugs and such but not to start?

 

[Compu Doc]

It's possible but what I would do first is crawl under the truck and see if you can jump the starter solenoid with the ignition off so that the truck does not start when your under their. If it cranks that way it could be a loose wire or the switch went bad. If it doesn't crank then you know the starter is the issue.

These starters can go out without giving a warning.

 

[bike-maker]

Did you retro fit a different steering column in there? My old man's 77 has the ignition switch on the dash, to the left of the steering column and to the right of the headlight / wiper controls. I'm going to disable the column switch in my truck and mount a universal one in this location. The only time any of my IDI's left me stranded is when the linkage for the ignition switch inside the steering column self destructed.

 

[02x72]

Its the column for from the '89, that dash too. My steering wheel came off recently on accident( dont ask, was not a fun experience), its the only time Ive messed with anything column related. But it started fine about 10 times after I got it on so I dont know if that did anything. I can jump the starter selenoid at the fender with the key off and turn it over, so Im thinking it has to be between that wire plug and the key switch...

 

[sparkymichigan]

Does it feel like the key is moving anything? With my '85 the chicken***t little piece of alum. mechanics inside the colum broke. The symptoms started as a key that was hard to turn. It went from there to just as you describe, you had your auxs but could not start the truck. I dis assembled the colum and cleaned all of the grease out that was oround the key switch and sprayed it with a drying lube. Then replaced the mechanics of the ignition system(about $10 in the "Help" section at the jobbers). Not to bad a job but time consuming. While the colum is down change out the actual ignition switch. Located half way down the colum. About $10 also. Hope this helps.

 

[02x72]

The key seems to have normal movement and resistance. Now that you mention about that ignition switch at the bottom of the column I do remember having some issues with that when I biult the truck. Ill take a look at that tomorrow. One issue though is that I cant get actual key switch out of the column, never have been able to. Ive spent over an hour playing with that little button on it and nothing, and advise?

 

[OLDBULL8]

Disconnect the battery negative"s first before working on the key switch. To remove the switch you have to push up the detent button, use a 1/8th" drill bit, then turn the key on, it should pull out then. Most likely the switch on the bottom of the steering column is screwed up.

 

[Fordman75]

I really doubt the issue has anything to do with the lock cylinder. It sounds like it turns fine. It's most likely the ignition switch itself which is completely separate.

The ignition switch is farther down the out side of the column ( on top ) under the dash. It's held on with a couple nuts. I currently have the same issue with my 91. Pick up a new one and throw it in and it should take care of the problem.

The other thing to check would be the park/neutral safety switch. Try moving your shifter some. Shift it into neutral and see if it will turn over. That switch could be bad also.

 

[sparkymichigan]

The only reason I brought up about the mechanism in the column is that mine broke. I hope you have some luck.
As far as the key switch goes, they can be tricky. Mine was tough like that. I pushed the button, turned the key to on(with the batteries disconnected), then had to kind of pry with a screwdriver to get it out. The grease that ford puts in there is real sticky.

Since the repairs I have had no troubles but I still carry a set of alligator clip jumper wires to jump the IP and solenoid to get me home. Better safe then sorry.