As you might already know the importance of ignition on your vehicle, you might also have an idea of what a lousy ignition can do to your car.
If you are facing Ford F150 ignition switch problems, you will not be able to run your vehicle, which means that you will have to address the problems as soon as possible.
To help you with the ignition-related problems of your Ford, we have provided a comprehensive guide on some of the most common ignition problems that your vehicle might face and what their solution is.
So, let’s dig into our simple guide.
Table of Contents
Top 05 Common Ford F150 Ignition Switch Problems
As the ignition switch provides power to various accessories of your car and activates the ignition system that runs your car, you might not want to tolerate a bad ignition switch for long.
An ignition switch on your vehicle is responsible for handling all the electrical signals of your vehicle.
Therefore, we are here to help you. Below are some ignition switch problems that you might face if the ignition switch on your car is not working correctly.
1. Wrong Key
Even though this might seem a little impossible that you can open someone else’s car with the key specifically designed and made for your vehicle.
On average, a car key can have approximately a few hundred thousand of the same key combinations, which can surprisingly put you in such an odd situation.
Remember that the cylinders on the car door have relatively lesser number of tumblers than the ignition cylinders. This makes it clear that the combinations are fewer too.
In such a case, even though you will be able to unlock the car door, it will make it difficult for you to turn the ignition on because of the tumbler numbers.
In some odd cases, if you even turn on the ignition cylinder, the immobilizer won’t enable you to run the engine.
The reason behind the immobilizer’s actions is that on-in-millions excellently acquired transponder codes protect it.
2. Binding of Steering Wheel
As you might be aware, the ignition cylinder has a connection to the lock present on the steering wheel.
Therefore, it is clear that any thief cannot attempt to steer the car when they have not put the key into the ignition.
So, in case you turn the engine off while the steering you have turned the steering wheel or turn it once when the engine runs off, the steering wheel might get locked.
Once the steering wheel gets locked, turning ignition would not be possible. If the ignition doesn’t work, you will not run the engine. Thus you won’t be able to move your car.
3. Faulty Key or Ignition Cylinder
We can never deny that every mechanical thing tends to wear out after some time. Therefore, it is clear that the car ignition key and cylinder also wear out with time.
With the continuous use and heavy keychains, the key and tumblers start wearing and tearing.
After a particular time, the key might fall out of the cylinder or not turn in the ignition to turn it on as it will not turn into the lock position.
If only the key has worn out and the cylinder is still in a sound condition, the worn key will wear the cylinder out.
4. Faulty Ignition Switch
A lever or shaft directly connects both, the ignition cylinder and the ignition switch.
Various contacts are located in the ignition switch on its inner side are responsible for connecting multiple electrical systems of the car.
These systems should work properly with the ignition switch if you want to start or run your car.
If the contacts present in the switch wear out, have broken springs, or have temperature problems, they will lead to the failure of the ignition switch.
And you must know that failure of the ignition switch means that you won’t be able to start or run your car.
The faulty ignition switch contacts can also shut the engine off of the vehicle in the middle of driving, which can be dangerous.
5. Immobilizer Issues
Modern vehicles come with immobilizers with transponder keys responsible for starting or running the engine of the car.
The key has a chip inside of it that carries a specific code. If this specific code that comes up matches the codes programmed in the car, it will start the engine.
If the code is incorrect or the key is damaged or not programmed, the engine will not start.
Another problem is ‘code confusion,’ where multiple keys can occur, disabling the vehicle’s ignition.
Broken immobilizer antenna wiring can also lead to the engine not starting. Many other electrical problems can also occur.
Some keys have battery-amplified transponders that might not work if the car has a dead battery.
Ford F150 Ignition Switch: Why & How Does It Work?
An ignition switch, also known as the starter switch, is responsible for controlling and activating the central electrical system of the vehicle.
Whether it is the main engine or the accessories like radio or lights, everything is controlled and powered by the ignition switch.
In the case of the vehicles that are powered by internal combustion engines, the ignition system, and the starter solenoid are both powered by the ignition switch.
There are many benefits of a Ford F150 ignition switch. Some of them are listed below;
- It is responsible for operating the starter system of the vehicle.
- The ignition switch also controls various electronic systems of the car.
- It provides relatively precise control over the spark timing.
- The ignition switch tends to enhance engine efficiency.
- Along with the engine efficiency, it also helps with the improved emissions and performance of the car.
- It also works as the anti-theft feature of the vehicle, which ensures that your car is protected and secure at all times.
Because of these exceptional benefits, it becomes challenging to keep up with the car once the ignition switch goes bad.
Therefore, once you start to see the symptoms of a faulty ignition switch, you must get it checked and repaired immediately.
Solutions for the Ford F150 Ignition Switch Problems
Now that we are aware of various problems faced by the ignition switch that your Ford F150 might face, it is time to provide their solutions as well. By looking through these solutions, you will know if you can solve the problem yourself or you need to take your car to the mechanic.
- For problem number one, make sure that you start your car. This has happened to many car owners and inadvertent felons, as absurd as it may sound. Therefore, make sure you are reaching your vehicle.
- In the case of binding the steering wheel, the solution is pretty simple. You will have to free the ignition cylinder by turning the wheel. Try to turn it back and forth.
- If you have a faulty key or ignition cylinder, you will need a new lockset. Look for the matched lockset that comes with door and trunk cylinders.
- If you have a bad ignition switch, check for all the electrical systems to ensure that they are working correctly. The things that you have to check are circuits, relays, and fuses. After that, replace the ignition switch with a new one.
- For immobilizer problems for amplified transponders, you will have to replace the battery. If not, the only solution is to take your car to a mechanic for an overall checkup. The professional will check if all your keys are programmed to the immobilizer and working correctly.
How to Remove Ignition Switch Ford F150
If your ignition switch has gone wrong or is giving you a tough time, it is time to remove it and replace it with a sound and efficient one.
We have come up with a comprehensive guide that can help you remove the ignition switch on your Ford F150 on your own.
Step 1
The first step involves loosening the nut that is present on the negative battery cable. You will have to do it using an adjustable wrench.
Make sure not to remove the nut. Now lift the battery cable off and push it aside.
Step 2
Turn the key in the ignition to the run position. Do it by inserting the key into the switch of ignition. Now
Step 3
Now, straighten a small paper clip. After straightening it, insert one of its ends into the small hole present in the steering column.
You must insert this clip almost two inches into the hole. This hole is located directly below the ignition switch.
Step 4
Now, pull the ignition switch in the steering column and take the key out.
Step 5
Now put the key into the new ignition switch and insert the ignition switch back into the steering column. Now, turn off the ignition by turning the key.
This will lock the switch into its place.
Step 6
It is time to push the battery’s negative cable back into its original position, i.e., the negative battery post. Make sure that it sits perfectly in its position.
Now, it is time to tighten the nut that you loosened earlier. To do this, turn it in the direction supposedly clockwise. Close the hood of your car, and you are good to go.
Although this task is relatively uncomplicated and straightforward, you can always take your car to a professional if you have no experience.
It is always better to get the task right first rather than worsen it by own experiments.
FAQs For The Ford F150 Ignition Switch Problems
What are the symptoms of a bad ignition switch?
It is essential to look for the symptoms of a bad ignition switch so that you can get it treated right away.
A faulty ignition switch can lead to various problems, which is why you will have to get it fixed immediately. Few symptoms of a faulty ignition switch are listed below;
- The car doesn’t start.
- The car starts to stall.
- The Key will stop turning in the ignition.
- Dashboard lights will start flickering.
- The starter will not make a particular noise.
What causes ignition switch failure?
The ignition switch on your car can fail due to various reasons.
Some of the elements that contribute to the failure of ignition switches include broken springs, temperature issues, and wearing out of ignition switch contacts.
If your car has a failed ignition switch, your car will most likely stop anywhere during the drive, which can be severely dangerous and lead to accidents.
So, it would help if you got the ignition switch replaced as soon as possible.
Can the ignition switch be repaired?
Yes, you can get your ignition switch repaired, and it is also not a very expensive repair.
Even though the labor costs for this repair might vary from area to area, you can get this task done for approximately $75 to $150.
If your car key is still not turning in the ignition, the labor cost might increase accordingly.
Where is the ignition switch on a Ford F150?
In a Ford F150 truck, the ignition switch is present beside the steering column to its right.
The ignition switch also features an accessory position that triggers various electrical systems connected to the system.
You can turn this position on by turning the key in a counterclockwise direction from the off position of the switch.
How do you adjust the ignition switch?
To adjust the ignition switch, you can follow the below-mentioned step-by-step instructions;
- Disconnect the electrical connector. It is present in the ignition switch.
- Now start rotating the key back and forth inside the lock, on either side.
- You will have to loosen the two mounting nuts that hold the ignition switch in this step.
- Now, turn the key to lock it and take it out from the ignition switch.
What is the difference between an ignition switch and an ignition cylinder?
If you think that the ignition switch and the ignition cylinder are the same, you are mistaken. The lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler that you slide your keys into.
At the same time, the ignition switch is the vehicle’s electrical element, which is responsible for providing power to the vehicle and its various electrical systems or components.
Conclusion
Now that you know various Ford F150 ignition switch problems and their solutions, it is time to get your switch fixed.
You must never compromise with a faulty or lousy ignition system of your car because it can prove damaging to different vehicle systems and can also lead to your car not starting at all.
So, if you want to run your car without any inconvenience, look for the problems in the ignition switch and get them fixed right away.
Through this explanatory guide mentioned above, you can take some help, and if not, it is never too late to get your car to a professional.