Ignition switch keeps blowing

[Fordmikeyranger87]

Got a 87 ranger 2.9 v6 and Looking for some help on why my ignition switch keeps going bad. I’ve had to replace it 3 times in the last month. First time it happened truck started up fine and then I turned it off caus ei forgot something in the house, came back out and got nothing, dome a d dash lights came on. Replaced and it and it fired up and was good for a week. Second time I left town for the weekend and went to start In The morning on Monday and again ignition switch went bad. And it just kinda been like that. 3rd one lasted for a week and now having to replace again. Finally have some time to look into the problem just don’t know where to look. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!!

 

[Curious Hound]

First thing would be to firgure out which set of contacts (which circuit) is failing. There are several sets of cintacts in that switch that do different things.

 

[RobbieD]

The switch's mounting holes allow for a small amount of adjustment. Loosen the two bolts, pull the switch toward the key cylinder, and then tighten it down and see if that corrects your problem.

The original mounting bolts are kind of cheesy; if they don't keep the switch tight, it can get pushed away from the cylinder far enough so that the start contacts aren't made.

 

[Curious Hound]

It might be wise to explain what you mean when you say it keeps "blowing". When I hear that, it makes me think you are melting or burning a set of contacts.

If it just stops making contact from being out of position like RobbieD mentioned, there is no reason to replace the switch.

 

[Jazzer]

On my same year truck as yours, I went through a series of factory defective ignition switches. The problem was the crimps that held it together would loosen every 6-10 starts. I finally got one that remained whole.

Remove the lower column shroud (two screws underneath) and the upper shroud and check for a cracked open switch.