91 F-150 Key Switch broken, stays in ON position

LEAR70

MEMBER
1991 CHEVROLET TRUCK

I have a '91 F150 that stopped starting with the key.

I can still use the starter solenoid in the engine bay behind the battery to start the truck by contacting the relays, but the key switch does absolutely nothing except release the steering wheel lock.

When I turn the key to the OFF position, the electrical power still stays on, as does the engine. I have to stall the engine to turn it off, then disconnect the battery terminal to disconnect electrical.

Which part do I need to replace and is there somewhere I can download instructions for it? I don't have the shop manual, but have worked extensively on other cars (Chevy's, Mitsubishis).

Thanks.

3 Replies

PEPPERMRJ

MECHANIC
1,158 POSTS

Hey Lear,
Sounds like 1 of 2 things are happening.
1 The ignition switch be broke.
2 The lock cylinder or the linkage to the ignition switch be toast.

I would start by accessing the ignition switch and seeing if it is functional. You will need to remove the steering wheel cover and remove the switch. With the switch in hand you should be able to slide the mechanisim thru its different operating positions. Off, on, and start. Start should be sprung internally. In other words when you move the switch to start it should srping back to run as soon as you let the pressure off. It will be very obvious if the switch is bad. The one on my sons lincoln fell in two when I removed it. :Shock:

I will sent you a link with instructions. If the switch works it gets a little more complicated. :Wink: Steering colums are sooo much fun to rebuild!

Good luck and let us know. :)
peppermrj

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Thursday, April 5th, 2007 AT 5:39 PM

FORDTECH1

MEMBER
23 POSTS

Sounds like the actuator lever broke (common problem). You can take off the plastic the wraps the column right below the steering wheel this will expose the rod that that runs the ign. Switch. Use a pliers and grab the rod you exposed, push down cranks and pull back turn off this will get you by until its fixed correctly

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Thursday, April 5th, 2007 AT 7:54 PM

LEAR70

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Yep. Actuator broke.

Loosened the plastic cover and pulled it back, exposing the crap pot metal rod.

Tried to turn the key, rod didn't move.

Put locking needle nose pliers on rod and moved back, electrical cut off and truck shut down.

Pushed forward, electrical back on.

Pushed harder forward, truck started.

Rod must be broken somewhere up the column that I can't see, I'm sure I'm going to have to disassemble the column. :(

Thanks for the help!

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Friday, April 6th, 2007 AT 9:13 PM