My 97 F150 was parked on the street outside my house. Someone tried to steal it at 11 Am on w weekday. They damaged the truck in their attempt. The truck was waiting to have the leaf springs replaced (broken), so when they tried to drive it they cut the drive line. To start the truck they used pliers or vise grips to force the key cylinder. To shut the truck off I had to use channel locks to turn the key cylinder off. I have replaced the key cylinder, but it wont start. dash lights etc work but no click and no starter. where should i start looking.

 

Start with a key. It wont start without one.

 

I said I replaced the key cylinder and of course used the key. FYI they were able to start it without a key by forcing the cyclinder

 

I said I replaced the key cylinder and of course used the key. FYI they were able to start it without a key by forcing the cylinder

 

Start looking at the linkage between the key cylinder and the ignition switch. Make sure that the actual switch is mechanically engaged all the way in the START position. If it is, then the problem is now electrical in nature and will require electrical troubleshooting.

The 98 and earlier F150s did not use chipped keys so they were susceptible to brute force methods of defeating the "lack of key" concern.

What do you mean by "they cut the drive line"?

 

Have you looked under the hood at the starter relay? Might be that they forced the switch to On and jumped the relay under the hood to turn the engine. Maybe cut some wires to do it. Or they cut the wires by the switch and jumped the starter there.

No signs that you're using a meter or test light. The Start circuit is pretty simple. Should be easy to figure out where the problem is.

 

Because the leaf springs were broken when they tried to drive it the Drive line rubbed against the body and cut the drive shaft.

 

Well, that has nothing to do with the primary problem with the ignition switch...

Don't throw details in that only confuse and do not define the issue you're asking about.

 

Odd, PATS wont start without programmed key. If you replace key cyl, you have to take it to dealer.

 

Odd, PATS wont start without programmed key. If you replace key cyl, you have to take it to dealer.

Maybe i should have said ..."Start with actual key to the truck". That is the one its programmed for.