Hi everyone,

I just bought a 1991 F150, 5.0 V8, 4X2, all stock. Odometer reads 63,234, and honestly it looks like 63k and not 163k. Great truck. I have one problem with it though:

When I go to start the truck I have to turn the key to ON for 10 seconds and then start or it will not activate the starter, it simply does nothing. This would not bother me except that even this process only works 1 out of 10 times or less. Its very frustrating to say the least.
When the ignition does activate the starter, the engine starts in 1-2 cranks.

Any thoughts? I searched the forums and didn't find a similar problem. New ignition switch? electrical issue? loose wires?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Nate.

 

My truck was doing the same thing. I starting asking around and an old ford guy said that these trucks were bad about the linkage (auto tranny) looseing up and not engaging the netural saftey switch. He said, to test it, pull the gear lever all the way up when its in park and then try to start it. If it starts, adjust the linkage. If it don't then it is more then likely the ignition switch. Mine was the linkage.


Hope this helps

 

I have a similar issue. I'd be curious how do you adjust it. I to pull the column handle up or put it into neutral and it starts right away. Is it the slotted rod underneath and what direction do you want to go etc. Thanks for any help.

 

 

Todd302,
It a process, but not a hard one. There are two things that need to be adjusted in order. How to do the adjustments are in my Haynes manual.

First I had to adjust the Bellcrank shift linkage from the column to the transmission and then the adjust the neutral start (safety) switch. Keep in mind, I have a C6 transmission. I think the A4OD has a Manul Lever Position Sensor and not the neutral start switch.

I would recommend getting a Haynes manual for it has very good directions and pics on the process.

 

Thanks for the advice guys.
I have now discovered that its not the waiting in the ON position that gets the starter to activate... Its pushing up on the steering wheel. This leads me to believe it a loose wire in the steering column or a maladjusted rod connected to the ignition switch.

This is a bit of good news since my steering wheel is mounted upside down, so this repair becomes part of the that repair. In the end it'll still take me 5 hours i'm sure.

If anyone thinks they know what wire is loose, i'd really appreciate the info so I can go into the project with something specific to look for.

Thanks again