1997 Ignition lock cylinder won't "spring back" upon start up

[seanagins]

My 1997 Ford Ranger's lock cylinder will not spring back after starting the engine. What is the remedy for this situation? What is the fix? Lock cylinder or ignition switch?

 

[Curious Hound]

The spring for that is in the switch. Might need to be cleaned and re-lubricated. Might need to be replaced. Also, the rod between the cylinder and switch could be gummed up and need cleaning and re-lube.

 

[RonD]

Could be a few things, but fairly easy to test
Remove ignition lock cylinder

Google: How to Replace Ignition Lock Cylinder 1993-1997 Ford Ranger

While its out use a screwdriver to start engine and see if it comes back on its own from START
If not then problem is in the actuator rod or ignition switch
If it does "spring back" then key cylinder is binding

The ignition switch is under the steering column above the brake pedal, that is where "the spring" is located, inside ignition switch

Google: How to Replace Ignition Switch 95-04 Ford Ranger

Once its out you can move the switch manually to see if it "springs back", if not replace it

Hopefully its one of these 2 things
If its the Actuator rod then steering column must be disassembled

 

[seanagins]

Could be a few things, but fairly easy to test
Remove ignition lock cylinder

Google: How to Replace Ignition Lock Cylinder 1993-1997 Ford Ranger

While its out use a screwdriver to start engine and see if it comes back on its own from START
If not then problem is in the actuator rod or ignition switch
If it does "spring back" then key cylinder is binding

The ignition switch is under the steering column above the brake pedal, that is where "the spring" is located, inside ignition switch

Google: How to Replace Ignition Switch 95-04 Ford Ranger

Once its out you can move the switch manually to see if it "springs back", if not replace it

Hopefully its one of these 2 things
If its the Actuator rod then steering column must be disassembled

Was I suppose to remove lock cylinder with battery disconnected? My alarm is now going off and I cannot start or shut the anti theft alarm off....

 

[dangerranger406]

remove the negative battery cable and let it sit, in the meantime clean the cylinder lock and inspect for damage, then reinstall your lock cylinder and then reconnect your negative battery cable, insert the key turning it to the on position, that should remedy it, and yes any time you do ignition switch, you should remove the negative terminal, the sensor is in the cylinder and measures resistance, so removing it with power to the system trips the anti theft,
as for sticky ignition my 90 ranger did the same thing, i pulled the lock cylinder and cleaned it out really well with some brake cleaner to get all the gunk out and it works normally,
if you have any issues after you put the cylinder back in, you should be able to disarm it by using the key fob (if you have one) to lock and unlock the doors or hitting the panic button, if no remote entry, you should be able to lock and unlock any door with the key then turn the key to the on or acc position, and that should disarm the anti theft