'98 F-150,4.6 auto, 150k. Truck's been flawless except for constant "key in ignition" ding. Leaving work, turned ignition switch, dash lights flashed, starter engaged for 1/2 second then nothing - no dash lights, no gauges, no starter. Battery voltage still at 13 volts. Relays 1 & 2 in in-cab fuse panel started clicking - had to leave them out. It seemed as if a power interupt relay was stuck between the ignition "start" and "run" positions. Tried to open steering column housing, found loose wire (black with pink stripe) with connector (possibly broken) and contact tab hanging around ignition cylinder.
Did further tests yesterday. Power locks still work, radio works when igntion switch is on "acc" or "run". No activity from gauges or starter. Still haven't found any bad fuses inside or under hood. Haynes manual isn't all that helpful. Tired wedging loose wire back into ignition cylinder where it looked like it came from and did get starter grind on one attempt but never any activity from gauges. Any history of bad ignition switches on these trucks?
Sorry for the novel - any body have the cliffs notes on this one before I have it towed to the dealer?