1989 Ford F150 XLT lariat, rod moves but won't start
03-09-2018, 01:15 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1989 Ford F150 XLT lariat, rod moves but won't start
I got my truck from a family friend as a gift for always being there for them and I really haven't had any trouble out if it for it being my first truck. I went to head off to work this morning and tried to crank it but the switch rolled all the way over with nothing besides the lights popping up normal. I replaced the starter switch that is in the dash that the rod goes into but still the same thing. When I tried to flip the switch off I didn't even have to use the release switch to let the key go which just started this morning. I've worked in older vehicles a good bit but I'm stumped as to what it could be messing it up.
P.S. I'd love to get it fixed today because I have work then a date tomorrow with no other ride
P.S. I'd love to get it fixed today because I have work then a date tomorrow with no other ride
03-09-2018, 02:20 PM
#2
Senior Member
The starter switch that is in the dash? Don't you mean on top of the steering column?
At any rate it sounds like your actuator has probably broken. If that is the case, it is not too easy to replace. If you haven't already, you need to drop the steering column, 2 small bolts accessible from the the bottom. Then remove the plastic cowling from around the steering column, 2 screws accessible from the bottom and investigate.
There are some good writeups on the internet about replacing the actuator.
At any rate it sounds like your actuator has probably broken. If that is the case, it is not too easy to replace. If you haven't already, you need to drop the steering column, 2 small bolts accessible from the the bottom. Then remove the plastic cowling from around the steering column, 2 screws accessible from the bottom and investigate.
There are some good writeups on the internet about replacing the actuator.
03-09-2018, 07:12 PM
#3
The ignition switch is the white rectangle bolted to the column about halfway down. If you take that off and operate it by hand, does everything work the way it should (fire up, run, shut down) ?
Does the little rod that usually moves that work properly when you move the key ?
You may need a new column of course - it can be a real b**ch to replace those inner pieces in the column so usually guys will opt for a replacement column if that's the issue. A good used one will usually run you 75 to 100 but swapping the column is a lot more straightforward and faster than rebuilding the old one - if that's the problem.
Does the little rod that usually moves that work properly when you move the key ?
You may need a new column of course - it can be a real b**ch to replace those inner pieces in the column so usually guys will opt for a replacement column if that's the issue. A good used one will usually run you 75 to 100 but swapping the column is a lot more straightforward and faster than rebuilding the old one - if that's the problem.
03-09-2018, 09:28 PM
#4
Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Memphis, TN, Earth, Milky Way
Posts: 11,256
Received 1,731 Likes
on
1,487 Posts
Is it a tilt column? Look at the shape of the hole the turn lever goes into - is it a rounded slot, or more like <] ? If it's tilt, this shows the actuators that commonly break:
(phone app link)
Call the local used car lots for the number to a mobile steering column specialist who will rebuild it for you.
(phone app link)
Call the local used car lots for the number to a mobile steering column specialist who will rebuild it for you.