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1998 Ford F-150 Repair Question


Topics covered: Ignition switch, Battery, Starter.
Mileage: 113,000 miles.

Asked on February 18, 2011

My dam

My truck shuts off while driving ,sitting at light,parked . The dash lights ,radio powers off until something resets "relay possibility" after a couple min. You can't turn the key to reset it or anything. It powers back up by its self. Maybe a loose ground ? I've checked the battery,cables,key cylinder,starter cables - starter is new,battery and cables are new.its became unsafe to drive since pulling out into traffic it shuts off ,please help ...... no one send to know ,even techs around here.

Avatar Asked by nightworld1313

Answer

Replied on February 18, 2011

Symptoms indicates a power supply interruption and for such cases, the most likely cause would be the ignition switch, at end of key cylinder.

Has it been checked?

Check the ignition switch wire harness connectors for looseness and look out for signs of overheating.

Tiny Answered by KHLow2008 (expert)
40,318 answers provided
Replied on February 18, 2011

I was told it was checked ,it had been replaced 4 yrs ago , is it hard to change it again,any tricks on changing it sir ?

Tiny Response from nightworld1313
1 question asked
Replied on February 18, 2011

Electrical components are difficult to predict their lifespan so 4 years could be a rather long time.

Not too difficult to do and is a straight forward job.

IGNITION SWITCH
Removal & Installation
Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove steering column opening cover. Remove hood release handle and position aside. Remove parking brake release handle and set aside.

2. Remove steering column opening cover reinforcement. Disconnect ignition switch harness connector. Remove 2 ignition switch screws and ignition switch. To install, reverse removal procedure.

Tiny Answered by KHLow2008 (expert)
40,318 answers provided

Replied on February 18, 2011

Ok I just replaced the ignition switch ,didn't see any signs of heating. The truck is still shutting off at times ,powering down then powering back up as before. Any other advice sir? :-(

Tiny Response from nightworld1313
1 question asked
Replied on February 18, 2011

Picture of old switch

Tiny Response from nightworld1313
1 question asked
Replied on February 18, 2011

New switch

Tiny Response from nightworld1313
1 question asked

Replied on February 18, 2011

My dash lights go off,truck shuts off then switches back on . Then I can restart my truck . It dosen't do it all the time but in some cases all the time. Really crazy if I must say sir.

Tiny Response from nightworld1313
1 question asked
Replied on February 18, 2011

That is not the switch. It is the key cylinder.

Switch has wires attached to it located at other end of key cylinder.

Tiny Answered by KHLow2008 (expert)
40,318 answers provided