I have a 89 Ford Good Times Conversion Van. The ignition turns all the way and unlocks the steering wheel, turns on power but doesn`t unlock shifter or start engine. Is it the ignition switch thats bad or a dropped pin, etc. I have pulled the steering wheel and ignition switch but can`t figure out what is wrong:banghead:

first - does the theft light prove out ok. there is a fuse that blows and kills the pats module and cluster. the cluster controls the interlock on some years and the pats will prevent the engine from turning.

Not sure on this but I don't think 89 s had PATS. however your problem might be a small piece(forget what its called) that the ignition cyl activates thats responsible for pushing a rod that then moves the ignition switch all the way down to the start position. Turn the ignitioon on and manually with a screwdriver jump start the car at starter solenoid if this works then your problem is defenitely that one piece.

the actuator carlos refers to is known to cause problems - sometimes you can get the vehilce to start by lowering the tilt wheel all the way down and trying to start the engine - don't rely on this test 100% to rule out the actuator but depending on how it breaks you might be able to start the vehilce