Ignition will not engage the engine in my truck, what could be wrong?

NMCCARTY82

MEMBER
1989 FORD F-150
268,000 MILES

I have a 1989 F150 6 cyl, manual tranny, I replaced the ignition switch on top of the steering column and the ignition assembly as well. I have recently replaced all solenoid, starter, and alternator. The actuator rod moves back and forth when I turn the key over so I know its not the actuator arm behind the steering wheel. What else could this be? I go to turn the key and I hear everything come on lights, radio, fuel pump etc, but when I go to turn it over the key just stays all the way over.

5 Replies

CADIEMAN

MECHANIC
3,544 POSTS

Check that voltage is going to the starter from the seloniod in crank pos.

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Sunday, July 29th, 2012 AT 12:28 AM

NMCCARTY82

MEMBER
3 POSTS

What if the voltage is going to the start to the solenoid just fine? What then?

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Sunday, July 29th, 2012 AT 12:32 AM

NMCCARTY82

MEMBER
3 POSTS

How do I know if it is getting what it needs? Do I have to buy a voltage tester? What are the steps I should take?

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Sunday, July 29th, 2012 AT 1:45 AM

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,004 POSTS

MAYBE LOOSEN THE SWITCH AND SCOOT IT BACK TOWARDS THE STEERING WHEEL?

BASICALLY PUT THE SWITCH IN THE "ON" POSITION----SCOOT THE SWITCH BACK (WITH ROD IN IT) TILL THE RADIO COMES ON!

IT MAY TAKE A LITTLE "TWEAKING" TO GET IT PERFECT

HERE'S SOME PICS OF AN '88 F-150 I DID FOR A FRIEND

I TOOK THESE PICS BECAUSE ON A JEEP CJ 5 AND 7, YOU ARE UNABLE TO DROP THE COLUMN YOU MUST DO THE WHOLE DEAL BY FEEL

I ANSWER A LOT IN THE CJ FORUMS (MY THING) AND JUST KNOWING WHAT IT REALLY LOOKS LIKE WHEN IT'S HIDDEN, MEANS A BUNCH TO SOMEONE WHO BASICALLY CHANGING ONE BLINDFOLDED AS IN A CJ

THE MEDIC

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Sunday, July 29th, 2012 AT 2:36 AM

CJ MEDEVAC