I stopped for gas the other day and noticed that something felt weird as I turned the key to the off position. Suddenly the movement of the key felt sloppy and without the normal resistance and click positions that I am used to. As I feared, the truck would not turn over when I tried to start it. I Youtubed some videos about possible problems and thought it might be a failing tumbler so I ordered a replacement on Amazon. Upon removing the original tumbler and comparing it to the replacement tumbler, it appeared to be fully intact so no broken parts. I installed the new tumbler but the same result...nothing. The new tumbler's movement actually feels pretty similar to the old tumbler's movement so it makes me think the old tumbler is fine and not the source of my problem.

I can tell you that the truck seems to now always be in the on position regardless of where I position the key turn in the tumbler. For example, even with the key in the off position, I can turn on the heater/AC. And you know how several of the dashboard lights come on when you turn the key to the on position just before starting the truck? This is now the constant state of the truck regardless of the key position. I can shift between gears (automatic) as well if that matters. I'm pretty sure that I have the basic key with no chip.

I've read some threads about an ignition actuator that might be similar to my problem but I have no idea. What is my next move to fix it? On the other hand, I don't use this truck very often so is there a way to start it that bypasses the key/tumbler? Just want to get this thing running again.

One last item to note is that I accidentally pulled off two wires that I think go into one of two plastic pieces that seat into the crown of the tumbler housing. See picture. Do you know what the green and black wires are for? I'm hoping they aren't that important and overriding my ability to start the car, although I did touch them together while trying to start the truck just to see if that might help.

Thanks in advance for your insight.

 

See that slot inside the maw where the tumbler was removed from? A large flat tip screwdriver will actuate the ignition switch provided the linkage isn't broken (sounds like it may be....). Operate that rotating piece and see if there is a corresponding movement at the ignition switch, further down the column. If none, the linkage rod or its attachment is broken. If it moves at the switch, then the switch has likely broken internally.

The two loose wires appear to be aftermarket, not original. You'll have to trace them out and see where they go. My guess would be some add-on like a security system of some sort or the like. Could have been for an added switch or LED.

Chipped keys were not used on the 97 & 98 F150. Wouldn't cause your symptoms even if it had been there.

 

Just to add on - the cylinder moves a rod that moves the actual electrical switch. Could be the rod, could be the switch. I haven't had one apart but you can see the parts on the internet. Dorman has a replacement rod so the odds are good that the factory part is NLA. The Motorcraft switch is still available though

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...er+switch,4700

 

Did you figure out what the green and black wires were? I am unable to start my car and I think it's because I broke the clip that the black and green wires connect to.

 

I did not. The wires are still detached. I am not using the key tumbler any longer b/c the rod between the tumbler and the ignition switch was broken. Rather than replacing the rod, which seems to be a fairly detailed repair, I removed the ignition switch and now manually slide it back and forth to start and shut off the engine. Not the greatest solution but I don't use the truck that often so it works for me.