ignition cylinder or switch??

madmaxin22 · 11-09-2003

having a problem w/ an 87 i just bought. when you turn the key to any position, no lights come on, until its barely to the point where it cranks, then the usual lights come on. car will start and die if you let go of the ignition but if you just back it off a hair it will run fine.. anyone know what the problem is??

GTRaptor · 11-09-2003

Could be a bad ignition switch.

Fordgazm · 11-09-2003

Or the ignition . The switch is only 5 bucks and takes 15 minutes to change . Might as well do that first , If it don't work still then I would change the cylinder .

madmaxin22 · 11-10-2003

pretty sure thats what the problem was. I HATE FORD they used star screws w/ a nipple in the middle so you need a special tool to get the ignition switch off. got the whole column out and just gonna take it to a dealer to get off and the new one on. next is the oil, and coolant leaks... then the search begins

Fordgazm · 11-10-2003

Those are just safety torx bits . You can buy them at auto zone for like 2 bucks apiece