Key start issue

[Broncodemon]

I have a 1990 Ford bronco xlt 5.0 v8 and I'm having troubles turning the key. I'll turn it and it will get stuck on the on position (electric on). It won't turn to the off position and it won't turn to the running position. I've tried all the easy stuff like jiggling the steering wheel and it won't budge. As well as my key is stuck in the key cylinder. I replaced the key cylinder but still same thing. I eventually got it to go but it's stuck again and now it's stuck in the all the way on running position and won't turn off

 

[Broncodemon]

I recently just bought this truck and sometimes when I turned the key on when it was working it wouldn't ignite either, it wouldn't try to start. I could turn the key all the way and just silence except for the little ting showing the electronics on

 

[L\Bronco]

I recently just bought this truck and sometimes when I turned the key on when it was working it wouldn't ignite either, it wouldn't try to start. I could turn the key all the way and just silence except for the little ting showing the electronics on

Hi there Bronodemon

You said youve already replaced the ignition lock?
If so, it sounds like a sticky ignition switch.
You might try lubing it with some penetrating fluid (wd-40 or something like that) or replacing it. Its on top of the steering column, inside the dash. You can access it by removing the knee bolster. (Plastic panel on the bottom of the dash under the steering column.)

 

[Broncodemon]

Hi there Bronodemon

You said youve already replaced the ignition lock?
If so, it sounds like a sticky ignition switch.
You might try lubing it with some penetrating fluid (wd-40 or something like that) or replacing it. Its on top of the steering column, inside the dash. You can access it by removing the knee bolster. (Plastic panel on the bottom of the dash under the steering column.)

This switch?

 

[L\Bronco]

This switch?

Thats the one. Its adjustable, so you have to make sure its right if you change it.
Theres also a little gear and rack setup below the ign lock you replaced, its held down by a snap ring. The grease in there gets hard over time and might be your issue too.
See if it still binds when the switch is unhooked

 

[L\Bronco]

12 bucks on Rock Auto...Just sayin
The motorcraft one is 44

 

[Tiha]

Is this the trucks that would break those actuator rods all the time? Like pictured below?

Can unbolt the ignition switch and operate it by hand, also test your key operation while switch is removed.

 

[miesk5]

Yo,
No Start in an 86; "...He turned the key onto crank(nothing happened), reached low on the column, just below the dash, and shoved his pick tool into the column and pulled down. That thing not only rolled over but it started...SO IN CONCLUSION REACH UNDER YOUR DASH AND PULL DOWN ON THAT COLUMN SWITCH ACTUATOR ROD(with the key on) AND SHE'LL LIKELY START RIGHT UP. He told me yes the switches die but they can also "walk" up the column and and get so loose the rod coming down from the key will not actuate the column switch(it's also a sign the $11 switch is about to die)..."
Source: by Sixlitre (Malcolm H, Eddie Bauer) at FSB

 

[johnnyreb]

Yo,
No Start in an 86; "...He turned the key onto crank(nothing happened), reached low on the column, just below the dash, and shoved his pick tool into the column and pulled down. That thing not only rolled over but it started...SO IN CONCLUSION REACH UNDER YOUR DASH AND PULL DOWN ON THAT COLUMN SWITCH ACTUATOR ROD(with the key on) AND SHE'LL LIKELY START RIGHT UP. He told me yes the switches die but they can also "walk" up the column and and get so loose the rod coming down from the key will not actuate the column switch(it's also a sign the $11 switch is about to die)..."
Source: by Sixlitre (Malcolm H, Eddie Bauer) at FSB

Look for an American made one. I have went through a good bit of NEW CHINA JUNK --STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BOX. I,ve had alot better luck with junk yard parts. You can get original Ford parts from Green parts sales out of Ohio. They have all years and makes--a super big warehouse. Near Cincinattie

 

[Motech]

Is this the trucks that would break those actuator rods all the time? Like pictured below

I believe so, and an excellent point.

I've tried all the easy stuff like jiggling the steering wheel and it won't budge. As well as my key is stuck in the key cylinder. I replaced the key cylinder but still same thing.

Your photo shows the old round style column, and it looks to be tilt. When the ignition switch actuator breaks as @Tiha referenced, it can jam up the rack gear at the lock cylinder, ESPECIALLY with wheel tilted down, as your appears to be.

Try moving the tilt back up. If no love, rock that tilt up and down while working your key back and forth. If that does it, gets your lock cylinder moving again, you have a broken ignition switch actuator.

It's a creepy job to do, requiring multiple specialty tools and some good experience in column teardown. Be best to pay a pro, but ask them first if they've done them before, because if not, they (and you) will struggle. Expect to pay between $250.00-$280.00 without lock cylinder (since yours is new).

 

[Broncodemon]

Than

I believe so, and an excellent point.



Your photo shows the old round style column, and it looks to be tilt. When the ignition switch actuator breaks as @Tiha referenced, it can jam up the rack gear at the lock cylinder, ESPECIALLY with wheel tilted down, as your appears to be.

Try moving the tilt back up. If no love, rock that tilt up and down while working your key back and forth. If that does it, gets your lock cylinder moving again, you have a broken ignition switch actuator.

It's a creepy job to do, requiring multiple specialty tools and some good experience in column teardown. Be best to pay a pro, but ask them first if they've done them before, because if not, they (and you) will struggle. Expect to pay between $250.00-$280.00 without lock cylinder (since yours is new)

Thank you guys for all your help, I ended up tearing apart the steering column and have quite a bit to fix, I'll keep you guys updated

 

[johnnyreb]

Than

Thank you guys for all your help, I ended up tearing apart the steering column and have quite a bit to fix, I'll keep you guys updated

Their is a place in California called steering column service and the sale parts for alot of make,models and years. They also have a easy picture diaphgram of how it is assembled in order. Just take your time and some do require certain tools . Like the small PULLEY to take the plugs out the side(If yours has them--1 on each side. Take your time and watch closely how each part is set, I repaired mine .In the Buick. It took a good while. You can look at the pictures on their internet sight, Good luck.

 

[johnnyreb]

Than

Thank you guys for all your help, I ended up tearing apart the steering column and have quite a bit to fix, I'll keep you guys updated

Just type in the address bar.Steering column service and click it on. First one is it. Good luck.

 

[Motech]

I've seen that site before and never found anything useful there. I checked it again though, and now they have instructions in PDF format...

For $18.95

Pffft...
You'd be better off with YouTube video.

 

[johnnyreb]

I've seen that site before and never found anything useful there. I checked it again though, and now they have instructions in PDF format...

For $18.95

Pffft...
You'd be better off with YouTube video.

Odd--I saw it TODAY and never had to pay for anything and saw the pictures.

 

[johnnyreb]

Odd--I saw it TODAY and never had to pay for anything and saw the pictures.

anyone that is not a professional can see what they need.

 

[johnnyreb]

anyone that is not a professional can see what they need.

Also they are good people to deal with. I have dealt with them a good bit. Just click in their sight and check it out.

 

[chrlsful]

thnk for the referral...

 

[Timothyfugate]

I recently just bought this truck and sometimes when I turned the key on when it was working it wouldn't ignite either, it wouldn't try to start. I could turn the key all the way and just silence except for the little ting showing the electronics on

Do you have a tilt steering wheel and weather you do or you don't you may want grease all the intergears lightly after taking ignition switch out lightly grease around were you put the key if that doesn't work it's deaper in the column Tim

 

[johnnyreb]

Do you have a tilt steering wheel and weather you do or you don't you may want grease all the intergears lightly after taking ignition switch out lightly grease around were you put the key if that doesn't work it's deaper in the column Tim

If it has sat around for a good while. It could be wires are corroded. A good start would be at the switch and go from their. Battery terminals,solenoid,relays,grounds. Check the battery too,,starter and starter ground. Check the cables too.