1989 Bronco, Ignition problem

[Salkie85]

I drive a 1989 Ford Bronco XLT. Recently I turned the key to my truck and the radio came on but the truck did not start. Also, usually the key springs back to a resting position for the key, instead it was stuck as if I had held the key all the way over while trying to start it. I bought a new ignition switch and that did nothing. I've pulled the steering wheel and I cannot figure this thing out. I get power to the radio, locks, etc. Please Help!

[Truck]

Starter? Starter Solenoid? (just to idiot-proof the deal, did you check to make sure your battery connections are tight?) Did the radio cut off when you turned the key all the way to start? That's a symptom of not having the leads tight. The solenoid would click if it's getting juice, but not enough. The starter may also be in bad shape. (My 5.8L '88 went through starters pretty quickly-like 2-3 / year. The 5.0L '87 was much better, but in the year I drove it, I had to replace it twice.)

Is your key-switch in good order? Do you have any problems with it not turning, the key coming out when the truck is in gear, or running? (yeah, I've had all of those happen.)

Did you replace the Key cylinder on the outside of the column, or the ignition switch inside the dash?

[bike41]

Originally Posted by Salkie85

I drive a 1989 Ford Bronco XLT. Recently I turned the key to my truck and the radio came on but the truck did not start. Also, usually the key springs back to a resting position for the key, instead it was stuck as if I had held the key all the way over while trying to start it. I bought a new ignition switch and that did nothing. I've pulled the steering wheel and I cannot figure this thing out. I get power to the radio, locks, etc. Please Help!

you have 2 switches one is on the top of the sterring coloum which is the lock keyed part of the switch the other part is laying down on the sterring col under the dash with wires attached with 2 screws//has to be adjusted just right or you will have things not working...there is ussaly a rod coming down from the sterring colloum ign key...i used to repair the sterring coloums at g.m. when i used to work at the plant...ford col. arent much different than gm.///important to adjust the wired swich with the 2 screws just right.

[bike41]

Originally Posted by Salkie85

I drive a 1989 Ford Bronco XLT. Recently I turned the key to my truck and the radio came on but the truck did not start. Also, usually the key springs back to a resting position for the key, instead it was stuck as if I had held the key all the way over while trying to start it. I bought a new ignition switch and that did nothing. I've pulled the steering wheel and I cannot figure this thing out. I get power to the radio, locks, etc. Please Help!

also remember there has been a lot of ford recalls on the ignition switch//for a number of things including stalling//and the operation of the lock ign..

[J-Roc]

What Bike 41 said, the ignition switch needs to be adjusted. If there is binding when turning the key, you may have to disassemble the coulmn and lube it up with lithium grease.

[devious3]

I have a similar problem with the ignition switch on my 86 Bronco XLT. Out of the blue the truck would not turn off. I pulled the key and walked away with the truck running (had to pull the coil wire to shut it off). The truck would start back up as normal, but would not stop via the key.

I replaced the key switch on the column but that didn't resolve anything. I took the steering wheel off and the plastic cover at the base of the column and found the ignition switch and actuator rod. By grabbing the rod with pliers I can start and stop the truck. The rod springs back from the 'starter engage' position but if you rotate the key switch to the off position, the rod doesn't follow.

Is the ignition switch spring loaded (and broken) or is there something else that's keeping the ignition actuator rod from engaging the key switch?

[kevro2000]

this is from what I understand a pretty common ford issue (not turning off) happened to my buiddies taurus and when I had a passat doing it everyone said immediatly "ignition". replace the whole ignition, make sure the parts you replace include the actuator rod. my buddy paid to have it done and only 100 bucks innncl. labor, so it cant be a very expensive part.
Kevin

[gradatstate]

I had the same problem with the truck not starting, so like mentioned above, if you want to "fix" it for free all you have to do is take off the bottom portion of the steering column shielding, which will expose the metal rod in the steering column. To start the truck, turn the key so the radio turns on, and use a pair of pliers to push the rod forward. Alternately, you can use a screwdriver next to the battery, but this works much better and is definitely safer. It's not pretty but it works.

[rhandwor]

http://www.1aauto.com/1A/IgnitionSwitch/Ford/BroncoII
Remember to watch the marks where the old one set and install in the same place. Disconnect the battery ground and lower the steering column down for axcess. If you don't have a set of tamper proof torx buy two bolts at the parts store. Use small channel locks to remove existing bolts.