ford ranger ignition problem

10

Asked by SDranger Jan 04, 2019 at 01:01 PM about the 1998 Ford Ranger XL Extended Cab 4WD SB

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Hello all. I have a 98 Ranger. Ran into a strange problem. The truck is getting
power everywhere but when I turn the key to start it, the key turns but doesn't
engage meaning I can't start the engine. The key just turns freely. This also
means I'm unable to turn the electrical OFF. So Ive had to just disconnect the
battery and leave it parked. Has anyone run into this problem, if so, how was it
fixed? Thanks!

3 Answers

101,635

You may have a bad ignition switch, which is mounted under the ignition lock cylinder. You can replace the switch while keeping the lock cylinder. Check "replace ignition switch" how to videos for your make and model.

4 people found this helpful.
10

KenF, Thank you. I will try that first. The problem seemed more on the "mechanical" side, so I wanted to ask before taking apart the wrong thing.

1 people found this helpful.
240

The ignition "switch" has both both mechanical and electrical functions. LOTS of things could go wrong with "just" a bad ignition switch.

1 people found this helpful.

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