Igniton prob

[NEOPLAZMA]

for the past several months ive been living with an ignition prob, the car starts, no problem, but the use of some of the cluster gauges wont work unless i turn the key forward a fraction and hold it in that position while driving the car...i have to do this when checking the engine temp, oil pressure, fuel level, and even using the wipers...pain in the ass...speedo works though as well as the tach. i even had to wire the stereo direct otherwise the clock on the stereo would have to be reset everytime i turned on the car. . I was told by a friend at work that the ignition on the steering column "slipped" and just needs to be re-adjusted or re-positioned.? I Hate wiring.....even lookin at the stuff scares me..lol. what do you think....slipped? or worn out.? is this something i can attemp on my own...replace or re-position it anyone know the part number?..just a reminder...i have cruise control on the wheel which i never use, can i disable it from the wheel by cutting and hiding the wiring within the steering wheel cap. and labeling it for later in case i wish to reinstall it?

NEOPLAZMA :twisted:

[85Coupe50]

Probably worn out.

There is a large white plug/connector that is right in front of the key location that triggers all the power to everything.

Check it out.

Matt

[madmike8]

Yup.. it's the ignition switch as 85Coupe50 said... They are like $10-13 at the parts store... and pretty easy to change out... Might want to check the screws holding yours in... sometimes they use tamper proof screws, and you might need the correct tool to remove it...

[mfpmax]

Ah man...I just deleted my broken ignition switch pictures of my webspace. Anyway...open the column up...see if the switch is separating between the plastic and metal...squeeze it together and see if that helps if so...get a new switch...

Or live dangerously and zip tie it together(highly not recommened). And don't get one from a parts store because they will do the same thing. Get one from Ford if you can afford it...otherwise you'll end up with a separated switch again.

As for taking it out. A Vise grip works good for taking out the screws with no normal heads.

[Zap's 85 GT]

Common problem. Use a hammer and a punch and bend in the metal tangs at each corner of the plastic plug so it holds the connector securely to the column. Easy 5 min fix and permanent. I've needed to do this to about half a dozen mustangs in the past. All for zero money and been going strong for years. Including mine.

[mfpmax]

The above would work on the Ford OE switches. Some of the aftermarket ones barely have little tabs. Cheap crap :(

[Evil86lx]

Good info.. never had this problem but it sounds common...

kyle

[V6DR]

i bought one at the dealer for like 7 dollars. some cars were recalled for this part so Ford sells it for such a low price. or so i'm told.

[ethangsmith]

ignition switch part # f29z 11572d $6.64
cylinder and keys part # d9az 11582a (for 79-80 vehicles)
or # e3az 11582a (for 81-86 vehicles.)

[mfpmax]

Looks like its time for a trip to the dealer...

[NEOPLAZMA]

i definatly appreciate all the replies, definatly puts my mind at ease..scary electrical stuff...wires wires wires wires everywhere...lol...whew...
NEOPLAZMA :twisted:

[NEOPLAZMA]

:twisted:
gotter done....the tabs were worn....tapped em in and i now have full use of the instrument cluster......well, except for that damn trip counter....grrrr that still has me baffled.....but all the same THANKS FOR EVERYONES HELP!!!!!!!

NEOPLAZMA :twisted:

[Zap's 85 GT]

Glad to hear. Enjoy.