wont start

[greenrangerdanger96]

I have a 96 ford ranger 5spd 2.3 4 cyl. I can't get the keyswitch to start the truck It will roll start though but then the key won't shut it off. It won't turn off accessory power either. It won't even lock the steering wheel. I've already replaced the key and lock cylinder

 

[UrbanRedneckKid]

I have a 96 ford ranger... I've already replaced the key and lock cylinder

That's like changing the hook on the end of a chain, with a broken link or other hook.

Go deeper into the column.

 

[martin]

It sounds like the piece that connects the ignition switch to the lock is broken or worn out. There was a post about this last week on here but I can't remember where it was.

 

[greenrangerdanger96]

Usually if thats broke it just won't shut the engine off but it still starts and it still shuts off accessories right?

 

[RonD]

It reads like the Battery wire and the Run wires are shorted together probably in the steering column but could be in the power distribution box.

The ignition switch always has 12v power, normally when you turn it to Run that 12v power is sent out to the EEC power relay(engine stuff) and to the Fuse panel and power distribution box(accessorie stuff) on two separate wires.
When you turn key back to off the 12v is stopped.
When you turn the key to ACC only the one wire to the power distribution box is given 12v.

If the 12v battery wire is shorted in the harness or connector then to the EEC or ACC wire then key wouldn't do much.

The locking steering wheel not working sounds very odd in combination with this, very odd.
I would remove the key switch again and test the connector with a volt meter, there should be only 1 wire with 12v

 

[greenrangerdanger96]

Turns out the plastic rod from the keyswitch down to the ignition is broke... On both ends that's why it won't shut the engine and the steering wheel won't lock

 

[greenrangerdanger96]

I can push the rod up from the bottom and the wheel locks but when I let go the rod slides back out and it unlocks

 

[martin]

read this.

http://therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64081