Intermittent no crank / no start

[99RangerChris]

Hello. I'm new here and have been trying to diagnose an intermittent no crank / no start issue on my 99 Ranger 3.0 with manual transmission. My most recent discovery is that when I turn the key to the start position and nothing happens, if I turn the steering wheel a bit, it will start right up. This is obviously not ideal and eventually I'm afraid it will leave me stranded, so I'd like to determined the cause and permanently repair whatever is wrong. Does anyone know what this might be and how to best diagnose from here?

Seems like it has to be something related to the ignition switch or ignition lock cylinder but I don't want to just start throwing parts at without knowing why. I've read a bit and suspect it may be the ignition actuator pin, but I have no evidence to back that up and the procedure for replacing that part (removal and disassembly of the steering column) appears to be something I only want to tackle if I know for certain that is the part that needs to be replaced. Any thoughts or idea would be greatly appreciated!

 

[franklin2]

When it will not crank, does the key turn all the way around like it's supposed to?

And when it does crank, it always starts? Or does it ever crank crank, but will not fire off?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Hello. I'm new here and have been trying to diagnose an intermittent no crank / no start issue on my 99 Ranger 3.0 with manual transmission. My most recent discovery is that when I turn the key to the start position and nothing happens, if I turn the steering wheel a bit, it will start right up. This is obviously not ideal and eventually I'm afraid it will leave me stranded, so I'd like to determined the cause and permanently repair whatever is wrong. Does anyone know what this might be and how to best diagnose from here?

Seems like it has to be something related to the ignition switch or ignition lock cylinder but I don't want to just start throwing parts at without knowing why. I've read a bit and suspect it may be the ignition actuator pin, but I have no evidence to back that up and the procedure for replacing that part (removal and disassembly of the steering column) appears to be something I only want to tackle if I know for certain that is the part that needs to be replaced. Any thoughts or idea would be greatly appreciated!

Unrelated vehicle, but still a Ford. 2011 Escape... I have to push the key in towards the column in order for it to crank and fire up. A simple turn of the key gives me nothing. Apparently the back of the lock cylinder is worn down and pushing in will help.... until it doesn't... I have a spare lock cylinder on hand for when I have a bit of time to re-key it.