Truck starts on wrong postion/switch problem

[6040]

. My truck starts on the wrong postion. I believe it quick starts on the “accessory” position. First I thought it was be used I still led a new stereo but it was just a coincidence. what I read on the internet is that it may be a ignition switch problem. So I bought a new one and tried to install it but I hit a wall. The screw that holds the connector and switch is stripped. No matter which way I turn it. It just goes on forever. Is there anyway around this? Do I have to drill it out? And if so how should I do it? I attached a picture. Thank you.

 

[Roert42]

If you turn the screw and it just turns in place try grabbing it with some pliers or vice grips and pulling while turning.

 

[RonD]

It unscrews the usually way, someone must have over tighten it and stripped it

Try pulling out on the black connector while using a socket wrench to untighten the bolt, it should "catch" and then unscrew

Worst case is to break the old ignition switch off the connector until you can get to the nut inside it


As to the problem, it may not be the ignition switch, could be the actuator rod inside the steering column
You have the switch off so you should be able to feel the "loop" that slides the switch into its 4 positions
See if you can move that "loop" without moving the key, and then move it using the key
There is a plastic gear and a slider behind the key slot that can wear out so it doesn't always move the "loop" into correct position

 

[6040]

Great advice guys. Thank you. Now say if I don’t fix this problem. Can I just live with it? Or is it bad to have the truck start so quickly? Is the actuator rod easy to replace? I’m super novice working on trucks. Stereos are all I can do so far haha.

 

[RonD]

No, actuator rod is hard to replace, have to pull off the steering wheel

Google: ford ranger ignition switch actuator rod