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Ignition Switch won't go back to power up radio?


Mike92STX

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 14, 2012
Messages
212
City
Zion,Illinois
Vehicle Year
2004
Engine
4.0 V6
Transmission
Manual
Tire Size
245-75-16
I got a 2004 FX4 and when I try to turn the key back to listen to the radio it doesn't work. The only way I can get it to get power to the radio is turn the key to the run position and that turns all the start up lights on the dash on. I don't think it's normal but I don't know much?
 
I don't know what year, or how yours is supposed to be, but at some point Ford switched the accessory position to be between off and run, rather than a click back from off.
 
It's a 2004 and I tried that but still nothing. I didn't get a manual with it so I'm not sure if a fuse could be causing the problem. The radio works fine when the truck is running or the ignition switch is in the run position. I just had the turn signal switch out because it won't turn off the signal when I turn right but works fine with a left turn. neither 1 is a big deal just irritating especially when I forget to turn it off for several blocks. I looked for any possible loose wires but nothing looked out of place.
 
It's either a physical issue with the key cylinder or the switch, or your account position is one click forward instead of back. There are no fuses or wiring involved in not being able to turn the key backwards.
 
My 09 goes backwards for accessory so your 04 should too. On my older worn out key I gotta jiggle and wack it to get it to move back though. Like Adsm said, if it's not turning backwards it's a mechanical issue with the key/lock not something electrical.
 
Sorry, I didn't relies I had not said that it goes to the acc. or the on position but there's no power to the radio in those positions. I tried a little while ago and moved the key some but still nothing.
 
I'm not 100% sure on this but I believe the accessory power, and run power from the switch use the same fuse and line to the radio so if the radio works on the run position then the radio, wiring and fuse is good.

When I get home I'll look at the wiring diagram for the switch. Do you know if you have a GEM or SJB? (Is the interior fuse panel on the passenger's side kick panel or on the drivers side of the dash?)
 
The same fuse is used in accessory or run. If fuse 6 is good in the SJB/GEM, which it must be if the radio works at all, then the most likely culprit is the ignition switch, or a splice somewhere.
 
The fuse panel is on the passenger side. I was thinking it was probably the switch but I was just guessing. It does have the keyless entry and I got 2 new keys and 1 fob but I don't think it worked before I had them programed.
Thanks for the assistance.
 
You have a smart junction box and not a GEM module then. Wiring will be the same as my truck so let me look and see which wire(s) to test to see if it's a switch issue or a SJB issue... like adsm said, I'm betting on the switch. But no point replacing it without testing first.
 
Ok, I will need pictures or diagrams because I'm not smart enough to figure it out with just a description.
Thanks Again
 
Was it something I said? I was joking about pictures. I took the panel off under the steering wheel and took the switch out but it didn't look bad, no corrosion it actually looked pretty new. When I was doing that I put the key in the ignition and had the door open. The chime didn't work all the time, is I moved the key it would work but didn't stay on. I didn't take the time to take the covers off the steering column but it might be a loose contact. Does that mean the keyed switch is possibly bad??
 
Well I replaced the ignition switch and it didn't correct the problem. No power to radio with the key in the acc. position. Is there a another switch connected to the keyed switch? Can I replace the keyed switch and keep the same keys, don't want to have a different key for doors and ignition. I have noticed that if I move the key around with the door open the chime will work intermittently.
@Dirtman, I assume you gave up on me because you were going to check to see what wires could be loose or shorted out?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
A quick update, I was on a different post and asked RonD some questions and after a couple of test he said to try moving the actuator rod by taking the keyed ignition out and using a screw driver. When I was attempting to get the pin in to pull the switch out I noticed that the key was able to turn back toward the acc. position?? I'm not sure if the switch was not installed correctly or what but it now has power to the radio in acc. position. Thanks for the help from the people that posted on this post.
 
Since my Ranger isn't a daily driver I noticed yesterday the same problem as I was waiting for my wife in the parking lot.

I have the owners manual and "accessory" (2) should be one click up from the bottom (1), to take the key out. I have no radio power
unless I got to turning on the dash lights (4) and full start (5)

Not terribly important, but one of those things I didn't check test driving.
 

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