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ignition problem 97 Ford F350


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iizruiz
Novice

Oct 18, 2016, 3:39 PM

Post #1 of 9 (1524 views)
ignition problem 97 Ford F350 Sign In

I'm out of ideas and request any help. I was stopped at a gas station and when I tried to start my truck again the wheel was locked and the key would not turn. I tried to crank the wheel to the left and heard something snap or break, then my key would turn easily but not engage the starter and no matter where my key was positioned the accessory lights etc were on. I have to disconnect a battery terminal to get the accessory stuff to turn off. The key does not turn aimlessly 360 degrees, so I don't think it is the ignition key barrel thing.
Had to get it towed home. I took apart the steering column wondering if it was the plastic actuator pin. While I can't get all the way down to it yet, from what I can see the key is still turning in the barrel which is shifting the actuator pin back and forth. At the ignition position there is still tension and the key bounces back, but there was no "spark" or effort to start the engine. I tried the screwdriver to the solenoid trick and not a spark. Checked all the fuses and they are fine. Oh, and when the battery terminal is connected I am able to shift into all of the gears regardless of what position the key is in.

What should I look at next??

Thanks for any help!


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Oct 19, 2016, 4:31 AM

Post #2 of 9 (1506 views)
Re: ignition problem 97 Ford F350 Sign In

So you are are able to get the engine to crank by the key, but it won't start? Is the ignition still stuck in the accessory position? Seen lots of those where the actuator rods in the steering column go bad. If you remove the ignition switch, can you manually move the ignition switch to start the engine?





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.

(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Oct 19, 2016, 4:33 AM)


iizruiz
Novice

Oct 20, 2016, 9:19 AM

Post #3 of 9 (1487 views)
Re: ignition problem 97 Ford F350 Sign In

  No, I cannot get the engine to crank by the key or a screwdriver on the solenoid. I can remove the key barrel or whatever it's called and it seems to be engaging the actuator rod when I turn the key (it moves back and forth in its shaft when I turn it as if it is still guided by the gear), but there is absolutely no response when I turn it all the way forward where it should start the engine. The ignition barrel and key will turn out of accessory mode and everything, but it doesn't seem to matter because it always remains in accessory mode regardless of what position the key is in.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Oct 20, 2016, 9:49 AM

Post #4 of 9 (1484 views)
Re: ignition problem 97 Ford F350 Sign In

? Confused with why it can't crank only at least at the solenoid. Use jumper clip wire to trigger wire not the screwdriver which isn't dependable. It doesn't need an ley, ignition at all to just crank or do you mean "run" instead?


System is - key turns to trigger that wire AND enable it to spark both. That's AFued - we know that in the column first.


If this was able to break and leave starter just cranking away for a whole minute even if you didn't witness it, it would kill a starter so guess we need to know if this has gone beyond a rod to lock cylinder which is what it is pushes a rod to ignition switch lower in the steering column,


T



iizruiz
Novice

Oct 20, 2016, 7:54 PM

Post #5 of 9 (1475 views)
Re: ignition problem 97 Ford F350 Sign In

The ignition will not try to crank the motor at all. I turn the key and NOTHING happens at all. I'm confused by the response. What is the suggestion I should try? what does "That's AFued - we know that in the column first" mean?

Also, I was with the truck the whole time filling up gas cans and the gas tanks, so the ignition was not continually triggering the starter until it burned out. Nothing odd happened until I was sitting in the truck trying to turn the key.

thanks again


(This post was edited by iizruiz on Oct 20, 2016, 7:57 PM)


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Oct 20, 2016, 11:14 PM

Post #6 of 9 (1469 views)
Re: ignition problem 97 Ford F350 Sign In

Here's where I'm confused: You can make this engine crank without the vehicle at all so where's the power dropping out when you apply current to the solenoid?


Just that. It you can't make it crank it doesn't matter what's wrong in the column which is a problem of its own.


Step one: Is there any battery power available at all? This would explain NOTHING is happening and ignition thinks it's on so draining battery - you need to have power and know where it's cutting out if now it does NOTHING,


T



iizruiz
Novice

Oct 23, 2016, 3:55 PM

Post #7 of 9 (1462 views)
Re: ignition problem 97 Ford F350 Sign In

Yes there is battery power because if the battery is hooked up then the accessories remain on regardless of what position the key is in. I can use the lights, radio, wipers, etc but trying to start the engine with the key does not work. Lost.

Thanks.


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Oct 23, 2016, 4:39 PM

Post #8 of 9 (1460 views)
Re: ignition problem 97 Ford F350 Sign In

Have you removed the ignition switch, which is on the steering column, and moved the switch manually to see if you can get it to start? Drop the switch from the column with the connector still plugged in. There should be a silver pin on the switch. That pin engages the slider inside the column. Move the pin and see if it starts.





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.


iizruiz
Novice

Oct 25, 2016, 4:36 PM

Post #9 of 9 (1444 views)
Re: ignition problem 97 Ford F350 Sign In

A success! I was able to get the ignition switch to work manually so I could start the truck. While it was detached I examined the column further and determined that the actuator rod is broken in two. I was not able to remove it though. There are two star-hex bolts on either side of the front part of the steering column that are absolutely stuck. I used a T-30 bit and cranked so hard it started twisting the bit. Won't budge. But I'm happy that for now I can at least manually start the truck. It's a little hill-billy but for a farm truck with the occasional cargo load it works fine. In the future it would be good to figure out how to remove the actuator rod. I've looked up the replacement part which is pretty cheap; I just need to be able to access it.

Thanks for the help!






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