Engine stays running when turned off.

[jkeile]

I have a 96 b2300 and as of Friday the engine will not turn off when ignition in off position and key out. The only way to shut it off is to dump the clutch, but all of the accessories remain powered. I have to disconnect battery for power to be off completely. Starts and runs fine just will not shut off. Replaced ignition lock cylinder and no change. Any ideas?

 

[Curious Hound]

The actual day ignition switch (the electrical contacts) are further down the steering column. Sounds like the lock cylinder may not be activating the switch properly.

 

[RonD]

Yes, ignition switch is under the steering column above brake pedal area

Thats the switch the Key cylinder moves when you rotate it

On the back of the key cylinder is a Gear, it slides the "actuator rod" that runs down steering column to ignition switch

Ignition switch looks like this: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/KK2uO_xaDKA/maxresdefault.jpg

The actuator rod attaches to the pin in the picture, and slides the switch into its 4 positions, ACC OFF RUN START

Drawing here of upper steering column where key is: https://www.2carpros.com/images/question_images/71901/original.gif

Not a Ranger drawing, just gives you the idea of how it works when you turn the key
Also shows you the steering wheel LOCK mechanisim

 

[jkeile]

Thanks for the information. So it sounds like the ignition switch is good and the linkage or rod that shifts the switch into the various positions has become inop.. will certainly check that out tomorrow.

 

[RonD]

Well it could be the rod has popped off so you can PUSH the rod but can't PULL it back to OFF

The Spring that pushes it back out of START is in the ignition switch

Once you get ignition switch out you will known more.................and you can operate the switch manually

 

[jkeile]

Alright so I pulled the the ignition switch and the actuator rod has no pull like you predicted. Is it repairable or should I just get new parts to replace? I'm assuming that I will have to pull the steering wheel to repair or replace the rod. Will just operate manually for now, much better than dumping clutch and disconnecting battery. Thanks for all of your help, I've never worked on the ignition or steering column before.

 

[RonD]

You will need to pull off the steering column covers(clamshell), just 3 screws on the bottom, then you can see if the problem is at the key end or farther down toward the switch

Maybe remove the lower dash cover and plate and then remove the bolts to lower steering column down

MAKE SURE TO DISCONNECT BATTERY BEFORE doing any of this, you DO NOT WANT THE AIRBAG to deploy

There are videos for doing this

Google: 1996 ford ranger steering column shift tube

Shift tube issues were not uncommon on Ford trucks, Rangers included, but only on automatics, this is not your problem but disassembly is the same. so.....................watch the videos