1997 - 2003 F-150

Key ignition switch fails 1/4 of the time

Old Jun 23, 2020 | 12:40 AM
  #1  
Retrodog's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
Key ignition switch fails 1/4 of the time

I've got a 99 F150 XLT 5.4 and it has developed a strange quirk after removing and reinstalling the steering wheel. The truck would always crank no matter what but now will refuse to crank every now and then. it seems to be worse when it gets warm or if i have been driving it for a bit, stop, and try to restart. The starter solenoid is not the problem. I replaced it but the old one was working just fine as is the new one now. I made sure the ground backing of the solenoid is good and clean up against the fire wall, so there is no issue with contact at the solenoid. The issue is somewhere between the key switch and the solenoid trigger. And it only appeared after i removed the key switch in order to pull the steering wheel. I was trying to remove the clock spring to test it because my cruse control buttons are kind of doing the same thing. they refuse to work unless I rock them back and forth for a few minutes. I keep the interior very clean and do not believe dust or grime is the issue.

long story short, has anyone ever removed their key switch or steering wheel and found that the truck wont crank 1/4 of the time? And for bonus points has anyone seen the cruise button problem I've experienced where they dont work unless they are manually agitated for a few minutes? (side note: the buttons have been removed, disassembled and cleaned many times and are as pristine as possible. the resistors on each button are also in good shape and have accurate values. they just stop working if the truck sits for too long. The only way i have found to bring them back is to move and press them rapidly for a few minutes. Also, I can tell when they are going to misbehave because i can press "on" and "coast" at the same time and my horn will honk. once the cruise is responsive again, that horn trick no longer works. I really dont want to invest in a cruise button cluster, clock spring, or key switch if i dont have to but my steering wheel seems haunted.

Any thoughts?
 
Reply
Old Jun 23, 2020 | 11:57 PM
  #2  
Patman's Avatar
Global Moderator &
Senior Member
20 Year Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 21,337
Likes: 159
From: DFW
These were known for having wires pulling and backing out of the column, try with the tilt wheel in different positions.

If your symptoms are persistent in one tilt location but not others, might be worth looking into
 
Reply


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:20 AM.