Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem. It doesn't happen every time (of course), probably once a week: I start the truck and the key doesn't rotate back to the "On" position, it stays in the "Start" position. If I don't flip it back (by hand) right away, it can cause that wonderful grinding noise of the starter against an already running engine.

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1999 F-150 XLT Ext. Cab
Flare Side
Off-Road
5.4L
3.73 gears (tow package)
Bone Stock

 

If it's been sticking since new, I've seen several right out of the box like that. I can usually disassemble and tweek on it a little and it will work fine. If it's recently started sticking, it may be getting ready to stop working competely. And no doubt, it will leave you stranded in the worst place at the worst time. I would get it repaired or replaced ASAP. But don't let someone install a lock that is keyed to a different key. Some shops (including some dealers) aren't aware that you can get uncoded ignition locks and key them to your key. I would suggest taking it to a competent locksmith. Good luck.

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98 F-150 XLT 4X4 ORP Super Cab Short Bed, 4.6, Auto, 4.10's, Mag-Hytec diff. cover, Magnacharger supercharger, K&N FIPK, Superchip, Gibson single cat-back, 80/100w German head lamps, 80w amber fog lamps, Warn HS9500i winch with semi hidden mount, Wrangler dual battery kit with red & yellow top Optima batteries, 285/75R16 Goodyear MT/R's, 16x8 Center Line Hell Cats (JUNK WHEELS), Rancho RSX shocks, B&M deep aluminum trans pan, Rhino bedliner. Needs one more door.
http://hometown.aol.com/ninetyeightfword

 

It's been doing this for a while. I only have 7000 miles on the truck, so I'm guessing maybe it can be fixed? In any case, you recommend a locksmith instead of the dealer?

Thanks for the help,

-Zen

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1999 F-150 XLT Ext. Cab
Flare Side
Off-Road
5.4L
3.73 gears (tow package)
Bone Stock

 

A "competent" locksmith. There IS a difference. In my area, I do the lock work for most of the dealers. It may not be that way in your area. If the dealer has one of the wrenches replace lock, it will most likely be keyed differently when you get it back. In other words he'll just stick another one in there that's keyed to some other key. It dosen't need to be that way. Of course, you may not mind having to use two different keys to operate the locks on your truck. Some folks are O.K. with that. I personally, don't think that's acceptable. But, I am in that business.

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98 F-150 XLT 4X4 ORP Super Cab Short Bed, 4.6, Auto, 4.10's, Mag-Hytec diff. cover, Magnacharger supercharger, K&N FIPK, Superchip, Gibson single cat-back, 80/100w German head lamps, 80w amber fog lamps, Warn HS9500i winch with semi hidden mount, Wrangler dual battery kit with red & yellow top Optima batteries, 285/75R16 Goodyear MT/R's, 16x8 Center Line Hell Cats (JUNK WHEELS), Rancho RSX shocks, B&M deep aluminum trans pan, Rhino bedliner. Needs one more door.
http://hometown.aol.com/ninetyeightfword

 

Zen, is your truck under warranty? If it is under warranty, do not take it to a locksmith. Take it to the dealer and if necessary the dealer will take it to the locksmith.

The locksmith will expect to get paid for parts and labor by whomever brings him the work.

 

98fword, thanks, I thought that's what you were saying.
Raoul, yes, it's still under warranty. I'd like to get it serviced as such and not have to pay a locksmith if I don't have too. However, I will REFUSE to have two different keys to operate my truck, so if that's Ford's solution, I'll have to go elsewhere.

-Zen

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1999 F-150 XLT Ext. Cab
Flare Side
Off-Road
5.4L
3.73 gears (tow package)
Bone Stock

 

LOL, two different keys?

Man, you're under warranty. You got Ford by the short hairs!

 

Yeah, that's what I figured, too. Maybe I'll just trade it for a '01 Lightning and let them worry about it.

-Zen

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1999 F-150 XLT Ext. Cab
Flare Side
Off-Road
5.4L
3.73 gears (tow package)
Bone Stock

 

The point I'm trying to make here is, don't let whomever you take your truck to put an ignition lock in that is keyed differently than it is now. They WILL do that if you don't tell them otherwise. It is easier and takes less time. And yes, as terrible as it sounds, I would expect to be paid for my time and parts. To give you an idea, you could expect to pay around $40 if you brought it in. Whatever you decide to do, do it as soon as possible. I have replaced more ignition locks in parking lots than I can remember. Where the lock had started acting up and the customer "had been meaning to bring it in."

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98 F-150 XLT 4X4 ORP Super Cab Short Bed, 4.6, Auto, 4.10's, Mag-Hytec diff. cover, Magnacharger supercharger, K&N FIPK, Superchip, Gibson single cat-back, 80/100w German head lamps, 80w amber fog lamps, Warn HS9500i winch with semi hidden mount, Wrangler dual battery kit with red & yellow top Optima batteries, 285/75R16 Goodyear MT/R's, 16x8 Center Line Hell Cats (JUNK WHEELS), Rancho RSX shocks, B&M deep aluminum trans pan, Rhino bedliner. Needs one more door.
http://hometown.aol.com/ninetyeightfword

 

My brother and I used to share a 1990 Chrysler Le Baron and that car was a pain to drive because the key would get stuck all the time!

It also had a sweet spot where if you pushed the key in none of the electrical components would work. Imagine getting a couple miles towards where you're headed only to realize that the radio is on but not playing and you can't check the time on the dash.

I will never own a mopar!!!

Red

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2001 F150 XLT
Toreador Red
Reg Cab, Short Bed
V6 Automatic 4x2
265/75/16 tires
PIAA bright white headlights