Right, I have an '82 F-150 XLT with a 300 I-6, 2WD, Long Wheelbase, Single cab, 4 Speed Auto, with A/C, Power steering, power brakes. The problem is one that stumps anyone that looks at it, because, seemingly at random, It won't start. You turn the key to run, the "charge" and "oil" warning lights go on, the heater and A/C work, everything's normal. Then you turn the key to "start", and nothing happens. The warning lights dim, all the electronics turn off, like they are supposed to, and the engine does nothing. Sometimes, after you turn the key back to "run", or "lock", the whole truck shudders pretty good, but like everything else, that's occasionally at random. For the most part, it only did this after you had to crank the starter for too long (10-15 seconds), but I replaced the starter, now it does it less often, but I can't even tell when it will. Sometimes it's cold, hot whatever. It just doesn't even crank the engine. I've replaced the
voltage regulator,
starter,
alternator,
battery cables,
fuses,
fusible links,
ignition,
cap and rotor,
spark plug wires,
spark plugs,
All the wires I can get to,
(I used all Motorcraft parts, if that means anything. Cost me a pretty penny)

I've taken apart the steering collum, and found nothing wrong with anything in there. This has honestly got me stumped. I've let a few local mechanics look at it, and they have no clue. The truck has 124,380 miles on it, and has never been wrecked. Any ideas?
Oh, and if I forgot any information that may be helpful, lemme know, and I'll post it up.

 

check all your wires, especially ground wires and make sure they're clean and ok. Check the positive wire that goes down to the starter from the battery. Replace the starter solenoid.. they're $8.00, and right on your inner fender by the battery.

 

Wire's have all been replaced, I'll get teh solenoid done tomorrow, and letcha know if it works.

 

could be battery shorting out maybe

 

yeah, replacing the solenoid didn't do anything, so I am well and truly stumped. As soon as I replaced it, I went to start it a few times, and the third time, it did it. Started fine after a few hours, just like normal. Anything, anyone?

 

Check the ignition switch on the bottom of the steering column. Its a black plastic switch with a rod going to the key switch. when you turn the key the rod moves the center part. I had a problem with my 82 bronco. it was this switch what was cracked and not working correct. Oh ford changed this switch in 82 but my 82 still had the 81 style.

 

switches look fine...

 

Does it have a tilt wheel?

 

HAH! I wish... but no.

 

had similar prob. called mechanics nothing they didnt no. turned out to be a ignition switch mounted at bottom of steering column top side. it was weird i had just put a new 1 on so never thought it was a problem but it was part looked fine but looks can be decieving there cheap try it. buy it at local parts store no need for motorcraft

 

Unless upgrading to a high-performance anything, I won't use anything but motorcraft. Just odd like that, I guess.

 

i agree but anyways try it. it was my problem spent alot of time and money just to find out it was a 10 dollar part good luck

 

Cool!

Mine does the same thing once in a while. Turn the key and nothing happens. Try again and it starts.