A Ford F-150 key refusing to turn might be due to the ignition key being faulty. Normally, this problem arises when the blade of the ignition key snaps off within the ignition cylinder.
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This brief guide will explore the characteristics and common problems of the Ford F150 Ignition Switch. Read on!
What Are The Symptoms Of A Bad Ignition Switch?
Here is a full list of the most common problems you could experience with your ignition:
Car Won’t Start
If you turn your key and the car attempts to start but fails, then you might have a broken ignition switch. If your car does not turn over at all, check the battery first. If there are no warning lights on and the battery is good, then you probably need to replace the ignition switch.
Key Won’t Turn
If your key will not go into the ignition, then your ignition tumblers might be worn down or broken. You can try to fix this yourself, or take it to a mechanic.
Fuse Problem
If you have trouble starting your car but other electronics in your vehicle are working properly, you might need to replace a fuse or check for loose connections in your electrical system.
Trouble Clicking The Key Into The “Run” Position
A faulty ignition switch can cause problems with the car starting. If you have to jiggle the key to get it into “run” position and it will not stay there on its own, then you probably need to replace the ignition switch.
Locked Inside The Vehicle
Sometimes the key will get stuck in the ignition, causing you to be locked inside of your vehicle. This is a very dangerous problem that needs to be fixed immediately.
Noisy When Turn The Key
This problem usually indicates there is something wrong with the ignition cylinder itself and not just the switch. In this case, you should have the entire cylinder replaced rather than just getting a new key cut for it because it is an inexpensive component and easy to replace.
Electrical Problems
The ignition switch is basically a computerized switch that sends power to different components in the vehicle. It can fail in two ways: by not sending power to the starter or by sending power to the wrong component. For example, if the ignition switch is faulty, it might accidentally send power to the light instead of the starter motor, causing the light (and not the engine) to turn on.
Starter Motor problem
A starter motor that makes grinding or whirring noises while trying to engage, or one that takes several attempts to turn over, should be replaced as soon as possible.
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How Do You Check The Ignition Switch On A Ford F150?
The first thing to do is determine, based on what you hear when you turn the key to the “III” position, whether or not your ignition switch is working.
If the engine does not crank when you put the ignition key in and turn it to “III,” but you hear a “click,” then there is something wrong with either your starter solenoid or your starter motor. A starter solenoid problem can also cause an engine not to crank when you turn to “Start,” but no click. A starter motor problem can also cause an engine not to crank at all.
In your Ford F 150, the ignition switch is at the top of the steering column. You can usually tell if it’s defective by trying to turn on the headlights, with the engine off. If the headlights don’t come on, then your problem may be due to a defective ignition switch that needs to be replaced.
Reasons A Ford F-150 Key Won’t Turn
The most common reason a Ford F-150 key won’t turn is a binding steering column lock. If the key gets stuck in the ignition, it’s usually because the steering wheel has been damaged and the key won’t pull out of the ignition.
There are multiple ways to remove a Ford F-150 key that is stuck in the ignition, but they all require you to first remove or pry off the plastic cover over the steering column lock. Depending on your model, this cover will be held in place by a couple of Phillips-head screws or some snap fasteners.
The second most common reason for a Ford F-150 key not turning is an ignition switch problem. The ignition switch can be replaced if it fails, but it’s better to avoid this by replacing worn keys before they get stuck in your car’s ignition.
The third most common reason for a Ford F-150 key not turning is that something is wrong with the key itself. If you have access to another set of keys, try using those to see if your original keys will turn in your car’s ignition.
Can A Bad Ignition Switch Cause Electrical Problems?
When you turn the ignition key, the starter motor should engage and turn over the engine. If it doesn’t, there may be an issue with your ignition switch, which is the part of your vehicle’s electrical system that sends power to the starter when you turn the key.
When checking for bad parts, start by inspecting each component individually to find out what might be causing your car not to start. Using a digital multimeter and some basic hand tools you can test these components and determine whether they’re working properly or need replacement
If the ignition switch isn’t working properly, it may be unable to supply power to the battery and starter motor. This prevents the engine from starting.
In most cases, however, engine issues are caused by faulty electrical wiring or other mechanical problems, such as a dead battery or a faulty starter solenoid.
When you start your car, the ignition switch sends power to your starter motor. The starter motor then turns over your engine so it can start running. In some cases, though, a faulty ignition switch may not send power to the starter motor. This prevents your engine from getting the fuel it needs to start running.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix An Ignition Switch?
There are a number of factors that determine the cost to replace an ignition switch. The most significant is whether the ignition switch is part of an assembly that includes a lock cylinder and/or some other security device. Some parts like this can be quite expensive and add significantly to the total repair cost, but they aren’t all expensive. It also depends on what year make and model car you have and whether your ignition switch is part of a lock assembly.
You may only need to replace a small part of the assembly at a cost of about $150 to $200. If the key won’t turn because the ignition switch has failed, then you will have to replace the entire ignition assembly and this could cost between $200 to $400 including parts and labor.
Ford F150 Ignition Switch Replacement
Before taking your vehicle to a mechanic, you might want to research an affordable replacement part on the Internet. You should also check out Amazon’s reviews of the product to make sure that it is a high-quality product.
Why Won’t My Key Turn In The Ignition Ford f150?
Here are the most common reasons a Ford F-150 key won’t turn.
Frozen steering column/lock
The most common reason a key will not turn in the ignition is a frozen steering column lock. This can be caused by bad weather and freezing temperatures, or simply leaving your car out in the sun and getting it too hot. If the steering lock is frozen, you can try to free it up by spraying a lubricant like WD-40 under the column cover and turning the key back and forth.
Ignition switch issues
Another common reason for a key not turning is an issue with the switch itself. This can be caused by not replacing worn or broken ignition switch components, like worn or broken contacts, or if you’ve been using a screwdriver as an ignition key (yes, people do this). Inspect your ignition switch for signs of damage or wear from use. You can also try cleaning any debris from around the switch that has built up over time.
Conclusion
The ignition switch itself is not that complicated. It’s a simple mechanism that connects the key to the rest of the car’s electrical system. The key turns and pushes a plunger that allows electricity to flow through the “circuit” (the wires, ignition coil, and spark plugs). When electricity flows to the spark plugs, they ignite and your car starts.
If you find yourself dealing with any of these symptoms, it’s time to have a mechanic inspect your ignition switch.
