You are here:
- Home
- Shopping
- Cars
- Auto Theft Prevention
- 1999 F150 Ignition Switch
Auto Theft Prevention/1999 F150 Ignition Switch
Advertisement
Question
QUESTION: Here recently I went to turn my truck on, and the whole switch would turn, with no resistance, from the counter clockwise accessory, to the start, but with no response from the truck. It was stuck in the "on" position. I could push start it, so I did that and drove it home. I bought a new key switch from Autozone, and I took it to a dealership to get it re-keyed so that I could use my original key. They told me that no matter what if I used a new key switch that it would not start until I got it reprogrammed.I got the old keyswitch out, and could tell what the problem was (the very end piece that connects into the column was broke off, I was able to remove it) and when I tried to install the new keyswitch, it was, one very loose, would wobble and shake a lot, and two, didn't start the truck, it would crank but not turn over. I decided I was going to take my truck to my uncle's, who has more experience with vehicles than I, so I reinstalled the original keyswitch, and when I went to push start it, it would not start. Did I reinstall the keyswitch wrong, or did taking it out reset the programming?
ANSWER: Hello,
I don't know, maybe I have reading and writing a lot today and started to understand what was going on here and got lost somehow.
First, the problem you have in the column is very common with Fords in which the actuator comes apart in the electrical ignition switch.
On that truck, the electrical ignition switch is exactly on the opposite side of the steering column. To change the ignition switch (not the key lock cylinder), you remove the shrouds. Then you pinch the two plastic fingers and remove. Disconnect the wiring and reinstall new switch. There is a slot in the ignition switch. You will find the ignition lock cylinder has a corresponding blade on the back of the lock cylinder that it fits inti. It sounds like you did not have the lock cylinder tail shaft lined up properly so the lock will fit flush.
If you remove the lock, you will see a black plastic that surrounds the lock and when the lock is in properly, this black piece would be in front of the lock. That plastic coil is the transceiver (antenna) that reads the key and signals the computer if the correct key is being used.
There is only 6mm allowed for distance between the key and the transponder. With the lock not installed flush, the chip inside your key is not being read.
You need to remove the lock. Put the ignition in the LOCK position. Line you little T end through the slot and have the key in it in case you have to rotate it one way or another. Once the lock is in properly, the engine should start.
Those people at the dealer are idiots as most are. If you are changing the ignition lock cylinder and having it mechanically cut to the lock for your key, you don't need it programmed, unless of course they are deliberately trying to rip you off. You never needed a lock cylinder and you probably still need an ignition switch.
Its beyond me why people go to the dealer to have lock work. Ford never made the locks and they were manufactured from Strattec of Milwaukee, WI. The same place a locksmith gets the locks and keys and services the lock for half the price.
Once you get the ignition lock in properly and get the truck running, why don't you be nice and rate my answer.
Http://www.autotheftexpert.com
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Maybe I was incorrect in my description. The ignition switch seemed to be working fine, the blade on the end of the original key lock cylinder was broken off in the end where the slot at the place where cylinder goes.
I had the new cylinder nearly installed, however, Autozone seems to have given me the wrong part. After close look, there is a small metal block on the aftermarket piece that is not there on the factory one, and it is keeping the lock from going into the cylinder fully. I intend to return it tomorrow and hopefully get the correct part.
As for going to the dealer, I live in a very small town, and I'm not very familiar with the town I went to to go to Autozone, and also the dealer. I have not had a chance to find a locksmith recently. However, would that be the best thing to do, take the new key lock cylinder and get it rekeyed so that my original key would work, which keeps the programming from the key? Would that explain why when I tried to start it with the new cylinder, which came with a new, separate key, would not start? Thank you for your help, by the way, I really appreciate it.
As thin as that tail piece to the lock is, I have only seen in broken off in theft situations where the lock was forcibly removed and now I understand what you are writing about.
If you have the key cut to the new lock, you don't have to reprogram.
I would tell you to take the lock back to autozone and get your money back. Call a local automotive locksmith and have him come out to you. He can do everything you need. The ignition lock must be fully in place in order to recognize the transponder key in order to start the engine.
Good luck!
http://www.autotheftexpert.com
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Rob Painter, ASE, CFL, CFEI
Expertise
My background in auto theft is extensive. I have been directly involved in the repair of over 10,000 theft recovered vehicles. I also do insurance investigation as to how a vehicle was last operated. My clients are insurance companies and attorneys. Was featured in the A & E auto theft documentary "Stealing Wheels" July 26, 2000. Has consulted with Daimler Chrysler steering column engineers to make their steering columns harder to defeat. Holds patent # 6,039,140 for 8 different variations to protect air bags from theft.
Experience
ROB PAINTER, ASE, CFL, CFEI Forensic Vehicle Component Analyst Diplomate, Board Certified Forensic Examiner ASE Certified Auto, Collision, Med/Hvy/Duty Truck Technician Certified Forensic Locksmith Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator Certified Forensic Auto Theft Examiner Certified Auto Theft and Fraud Expert http://www.autotheftexpert.com Email-rpainter@wi.rr.com P.O. Box 190 Big Bend, WI 53103 Phone (414) 698-9696 Fax (262) 662-1352 As per federal court rules of evidence (702) (Daubert) my testimony has qualified me as: Auto Theft and Fraud Expert Forensic Vehicle Analyst Fire Origin and Cause Expert In the trial transcript of Holiday vs Progressive Insurance Company (March 12, 2002?Eugene, Oregon) with Holiday being my client-named ?the expert for experts.? BUSINESS EXPERIENCE Founder of the ?Forensic Institute of Auto Theft Analysis? (January 2002). This is the training school that will set the standards in determining the last operation of a reported stolen vehicle-burned or unburned. Much of my testing and procedures have been accepted as the guide for the forensic community. 1986 opened Auto Recovery Specialists Inc., providing exclusive repair of theft recovered and vandalized vehicles. The initial concept of the business was to return vehicles to their original shape before the theft, vandalism or fire. In 1987 bought the rights to the theft deterrent known as the ?Chicago Collar?. Duties include complete component replacement: dash, stereo system, interior, locks and coding, rebuilding steering columns, repairing and installing vehicle security system components (factory and after market), engine components, body repair, glass replacement, repair and service of air conditioning components, brake and suspension repair, and replacement, wiring harnesses etc. to return vehicle to pre-theft condition Complete reconstruction. During the past 17 years directly involved in the repair of over 10,000 theft-recovered and fire damaged Personally examined and rebuilt thousands of steering columns on both import and domestic vehicles Internationally acknowledged as expert in auto theft including court, consulting with insurance companies, attorneys and law enforcement. Consultant on steering columns, locks, stereo systems and vehicle security for Special Investigation Units for many large insurance carriers during the past eight years. Consulting services include but not limited to: How a vehicle was last operated (with or without keys in burned or unburned vehicles), Origin and Cause of vehicle fires, and vehicle defects. Provides services as a consultant and researcher to attorneys and insurance companies, and private industry throughout the US in cases related to vehicles. Has worked with crime prevention officers throughout the US establishing training programs designed to protect the public from becoming victims of auto theft. PATENT: 3/21/00 issued patent# 6,039,140 for 8 different variations of airbag anti-theft devices. PUBLICATIONS Currently authors articles and test reports on an ongoing basis for SIUs and the forensic/vehicle fire industry. Published author: (1,297 slide training course) Auto Theft/ Fraud Training Course) ?The Modern Forensic Approach to Auto Theft Investigation.? (January, 2001) Author: ?Variables to Be Considered In Vehicle Fire Investigation after Suppression.? (Insurance publication-November 2001) Author: ?Ford Magnesium Steering Columns and the Results to Ignition Components after a Fire?. Article for peer review from the fire and forensic community. (November 2001) Author: ?The Truth About GM VATS.? (Article) (November 2001) Author: ?The Truth About GM PASSLOCK TM? (Article) (November 2001) Author:? Auto Theft Investigation: Hollywood vs. Reality? (Article) (February 2001) For the John Cooke Fraud Report. Published author: (Manual) ?Forensic Vehicle Fire/ Arson and Auto Theft Investigation? (October 2000) Published author: (Article) ?Petty Claims? for the John Cooke Fraud Report (October, 1998) Published author (Manual) ?AUTO THEFT: LET THE TRUTH BE KNOWN!? (1998) (Previously distributed by Barnes & Nobel) Co-authored the investigation manual, ?Surreptitious Entry & Auto Theft & Burn & the Investigator.? (1999) Authored test questions on the subject of steering columns and vehicle security for CFL designation to be given by the International Association of Investigative Locksmiths. January, 2000 Published author: (Manual) ?Saginaw Steering Columns-What Has Not Been Told? Training manual for fire investigators. (March 2000) Published (Article) ?Beyond The Lock? (May 2000) Published Author: (Article) Fraud Defense Network-August, 2000 Edition-?Melting Steering Column Tests.? http://www.fraudreport.com/index.cfm?month=08&year=2000 Published author: (Test Report) ?Burned Toyota Steering Column Testing to Determine How Last Operated?. Tool marks and procedures. (December 1999) Currently at the FBI Crime Lab in Washington DC and the US Army Crime Lab in Atlanta, GA for peer review. ACCOMPLISHMENTS Defeated the ?unstealable? Ford Securilock transponder system for a court case 10/10/00. They said it could not be done! Primary designer of a state of the art ?bait? car for a police department to catch car thieves. Worked with The National Highway Safety Transportation Administration and discovered a potential fire hazard on a vehicle and determined origin and cause of under hood fires on this type of vehicle. Featured as ?Auto Theft Expert? in the A & E auto theft documentary ?Stealing Wheels? that aired July 26, 2000. Contacted by Sears and Edelman Marketing to be a national spokesman for an anti theft device for vehicles. (November 1999) Invited to provide evaluation and consulting to steering column engineers at Daimler Chrysler Corporation in Auburn Hills, MI (10/19/99-10/22/99). The purpose of this project was to demonstrate how steering column locking mechanisms could be defeated without the use of a key and how to reinforce the columns against theft. Court Qualified as an Auto Theft Expert and my videos of defeating columns were also accepted by a Cleveland, Ohio Court in October 1999 as a valid piece of evidence. Contacted by Disney Touchstone Pictures for technical assistance in making the movie ?Gone in 60 Seconds? (March 1999) CONSULTANT FOR FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS ? Former contributor for The Insurance News Network (Auto theft and prevention) includes heading a forum for the public on how to protect their vehicles for 3+ years. ? Former editor and consultant for the public on matters involving auto theft and prevention 2000-2001 on the web at http://www.autotheft_forum.com. ? The Insurance Career Center (Auto theft and fraud). ? National Association of Investigative Specialists (Auto theft and fraud) ? Expert Find (Auto theft and fraud} TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE ? ASE (National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence) Certified in Auto: brakes, steering and suspension, engine repair, manual drive train and axles, air conditioning. Med/Heavy duty truck: gasoline engine repair, electrical/electronic components. Collision: elec.....
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.