Went to start up this morning and as I was engaging the ignition cylinder I felt something give and the key kept turning without engaging the starter. Replaced the ignition lock cylinder because it was certainly broke but no change. Pulled the steering wheel, checked the acuator and don't see anything broken. What am I missing here. This truck always started first time every time. Any suggestions on what to look for next.

Appreciate the help...

R

 

The actuator may have seemed ok, but take the 2 bolts off the column and lower the steering. Check the switch. It can be bad, stuck, off of actuator, ect. I would bet this is the problem. To try a new switch before installing it, you can unplug the harness from the old switch and plug in the new switch. Then you can just actuate the new switch with a key or screwdriver. If it works then you know the problem is with it or with what is actuating it.

 

Pulled steering wheel, shroud, lowered steering column. Everything apprears to working normal. I can see/hear the actuator engaging the ignition switch. Ignition lock cylinder contacts are clean and the cylinder cycles through off/lock, acc, on and start. Power to accessories when rotated all the way forward to start but won't crank. I'll probably remove the ignition switch in the morning and replace if I see anything suspicious.

Any other possibilities? Any assistance is greatly appreciated...

R

 

Just watched the actuator replacement video and it got me thinking. If the actuator lever broke inside the steering column then I should be able to start the vehicle by extending the rod into the ignition switch. If not, then symptoms point to the switch unless there are multiple problems.

Sound about right?

R

 

Verified that the actuator is not broken and starter is not engaging by moving the rod all the way down at the ignition starter switch. Picked up a ignition starter switch and I'm ready to replace but I'm starting feel like I'm chasing a squirrel. I'd like to isolate the problem before replacing the ignition starter switch. How can I eliminate the switch from the equation? Can I jump the switch or just jump across the solenoid to verify?

On ignition starter replacement Chilton's has early and late model procedures. One installs it in LOCK and indicates that switch comes locked in the LOCK position. Late models in the ignition needs to be in run and the switch pinned in RUN as well. Does anyone out there have some clearer guidance on removal and installation?

By the way 89 F150 XLT w/tilt, 4.9L I6

Thanks,
R

 

Well, this just gets better by the minute. Replaced the ignition switch no change. Jumped the solenoid started right up. Put everything back together and now it won't shift out of Park. As far as I know I didn't touch anything to do with the tranny linkage (automatic) but I guess that's what I get for messing with the steering column.

Okay, so any insight what I could've possible done to get the linkage out of whack or better yet how to get the linkage to aligned again.

'89 F150 2WD 4.9L Auto

This is turning into a nightmare... please help!

R

 

Oh boy. After jumping the starter solenoid I was fairly confident that would correct the starting problem. But nooooo,,,,, replaced the solenoid, no change. In my rush to get the truck back on the road I should have took some measurements instead of replacing parts.

This all started with the broken ignition lock cylinder. Doesn't look like there many ways to install it incorrectly. Ignition switch misaligned? Bad to begin with? Cycles through alright just doesn't engage the solenoid to start.

Along with the shifting level issue this is starting to get irratating... j

Anyone have some areas to check?

R

 

Just found a thread on the actuator arm breaking on the tip and the tip failling down and impeding the shift level from moving on automatics. I didn't check the other end that connected to the actuator rod so its possible.

Question is would that prevent the ignition switch from engaging the starter when pushed all the way down? What else could prevent power to the solenoid?

Just hypothetical at this point as I'm not looking forward to tearing down the steering column again.

Certainly could use some expert advice here...

R

 

I haven't tore the steering apart again yet but when searching for a replacement ignition actuator arm the only ones I've found online are for non-tilt steering columns. So there appears to be a different one for tilt steering? Any body know where I can order one? Or are they only available from the dealer?

Thanks,
R

 

well from what I can tell the actuator arm is the same for tilt as non-tilt. Found another helpful blob that detailed removal all the way down to the tilt assembly. The actuator shown looks just like the non-tilt to me. I guess I won't know for sure until I tear it apart. Plans are currently to do that on Thursday, even though it's Veteran's Day. Gotta do what ya gotta do.

R