2.3L ('83-'97) Ignition key changed. Starts but turning the key back(off) will not shut off?

[smj]

Have not been here for awhile. I have owned 4 Rangers, various years. All 4cyls. This is a new issue. I changed the ignition key lock. It started. But when i turned it back it to shut it off, it would not shut off. I ended up putting it in reverse and letting the clutch up. Not a thing to keep doing. Wonder if anyone has heard of this or seen it. Note...I have seen a video about an 'ignition switch' up under the steering wheel. Wondering if this might be something to check out.

 

[RonD]

Yes, the ignition switch is under the steering column

What you changed is the ignition lock cylinder, no wiring there, well 1 wire for the "key in lock" dinger, lol

Simplified drawing here of the way it works: https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_berretta_1.jpg

The key cylinder will only turn if correct key is in it
When key turns, a gear on the back, the selector, turns and pulls(or pushes) the actuator rack(rod) that runs down the inside of the steering column

Ignition switch has a Post on it that the actuator rod is attached to, as the key is turned the ignition switch is moved into its 4 positions, ACC, OFF, RUN, START

Turning the key to RUN or START also unlocks the steering wheel, also shown in drawing


Yes, pull out the ignition switch and then grab the end of actuator rod and rotate the key to see if something is loose

Close up of the gear setup on back of key cylinder: https://static-resources.imageservice.cloud/3794807/key-spins-in-cylinder-wont-start-ford-truck-enthusiasts-forums.gif
Either one of those gears can strip and would need to be replaced

Picture of ignition switch here: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/KK2uO_xaDKA/maxresdefault.jpg
You can see the post that the actuator rod moves to turn on and off systems in the vehicle


In the movies or TV shows when "they" reach under the dash they are grabbing the ignition switch and pulling it out, so they just need to slide that post to start the engine
Problem is locking steering wheel, lol, but its the movies, so I guess those cars are special

 

[Dirtman]

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