2014 F150 XL 2wd 5.0 135k miles here. Occasionally when turning the key to start my truck it will crank as normal but fail to fire up. Furthermore, if I release the key it will stay in the start position and the engine will continue to turn over but not fire up until I manually turn it off. While cranking it's mimicking the symptoms of either getting no spark or no fuel. Yet, if I'm lucky, on the next try the truck starts as normal and when I release the key it returns to the run position.Sometimes it takes 3 or more tries.

I thought it was the ignition cylinder so I replaced it with a new Dor-man part. No luck. The key will still sometimes stay in the start position and crank until I manually turn it off. Everything else appears normal and I'm at a loss for where to look next. Also, no check engine light.

​​​​​​​I can't trust that it won't leave me stranded. There may already be a thread on this and I'm just not wording my search correctly. Any thoughts/suggestions are appreciated.

 

Are you saying the key (in the cylinder) stays in the physical START position when released or that the starter remains engaged when you release the key an the key rotates back to the RUN position?

 

The cylinder (old and new) stays in the start position. I have to physically turn the key for it to stop cranking. Normal operation is to turn the key to "start" and then release it once the engine fires where then the key automatically falls back to "run".

 

The key is supposed to return to the RUN position when you release it, there's a spring somewhere in there, probably in the switch itself, that's supposed to do that. Not sure exactly where it's located for your truck.

The truck is equipped with OTIS which is *supposed* to allow for up to 10 seconds of computer-controlled cranking upon the release (and return to RUN) of the key.

 

Did you find a fix to this problem. My truck is doing the same thing and thus far I have taken it to 2 shops who are clueless as starts going on

 

Not really but it's only happened once and even then I was able to correct the problem by giving the steering column a good wrap. I think the problem lies deeper in.
The key cylinder has a "D" shaped protrusion on the end which fits into a similarly "D" shaped detent on the part that actually turns and makes contact with electric circuits when the truck is called to start. I could not find a replacement for this part and assume it is not available separately but only as a larger steering column assembly (if that makes sense).
What I did while the key cylinder was out was to first spray some electrical contact cleaner all around that assembly and then spray it with some lubricant. This seems to have solved the problem as it only reoccurred once since then and only early on before the lubricant could take full effect (maybe, who knows for sure?)
Taking the key cylinder out of the column is an easy DIY task and it's worth the effort especially since two other shops have already thrown up their hands. It's worth the try.

 

That would be your ignition switch.

 

Yeah, many years ago the key tumbler and switch were all one piece and came out as a whole with wires attached (apparently the same wires that Hollywood films used to pull out from under the dash, make a few sparks, start the car and drive off). Now it's separate pieces. The key cylinder is serviceable but the ignition switch seems imbedded in the column. If you know of a replacement part I'd be happy to buy one. I got as far as a parts diagram and YouTube allowed.

 

Sorry, I'm a Ford newbie. I have experience with other cars and trucks but not with my F150. Usually you can replace them by disassembling the steering column a bit. A quick rock auto search doesn't bring up a replacement ignition switch, which leads me to believe you're right about it not being serviceable. Seems ludicrous to me they would make them that way. GL with it. I hope it doesn't totally go out on you.

 

This is from a 2013 manual. The ignition switch looks to be opposite the key and tumbler. Maybe take it out and see if it works smoothly.