Faulty Ignition switch?

[muzztard]

Hi

I cant start my Taurus 96, because the ignition switch turns but does nothing. Also, it seems really loose going from lock to other positions, with an exception of START position where I can feel a little springy force and ACC position where it's not so loose. The instrument panel is lit and the clock stays up; I'm guessing it's locked in RUN position.

There is no sound at all when moving from LOCK to START. Battery works fine.

Does anyone know if it's really just the switch or could be something else? If it's the switch, will it be hard to replace? Or must I send it to a repair shop? I wonder how much that'll cost me

[shorod]

It could be a defective starter/solenoid assembly. Or, you may have a problem with the Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS). Do you only have one key to the car? If not, try a different key. If it starts, then your particular key may need to be reprogrammed or replaced.

If a different key isn't the fix, or you don't have another key to try, you still could have an issue with the PATS, but the next easiest thing to do would be to check for voltage at the starter solenoid when the key is in the "Start" position. Obviously, this will require two people or a meter with a "Max" feature. If you have voltage to the solenoid, check for battery voltage to the starter.

If no voltage to to the solenoid, you'll want to check the starter relay. I don't have my service manual in front of me to tell you where that's located. If you don't have voltage to the solenoid, then I think you're back to the PATS. If your car doesn't have PATS, then it is probably related to the switch.

-Rod

[alex boss]

You also may have a bad ignition switch, which is NOT the key cylinder! The key cylinder is connected to the ignition switch by a rod that extends down the steering column. It is about a foot below the key and can be accessed by pulling the kick panel, removing four nuts and dropping the steering column down. As you turn the key it moves the rod which pushes or pulls a slide in the ignition switch to the proper position. Instructions usually come with it when you buy a new one.. not too difficult or expensive if you do it yourself. Also could be that the rod has fallen out of place and so can't move the slide on the switch. HTH Alex