1993 Ford Explorer Ignition Problems

merrittlentz · 06-17-2012, 04:12 AM

Hi everyone,

I drive a 1993 Ford Explorer XLT. My ignition stopped accepting the ignition key a few months back - instead it could be started by simply turning the wings on the ignition cylinder without a key in the ignition.

A week ago, my ignition cylinder locked up, preventing me from being able to start the vehicle with or without a key. It would not turn at all. So I figured that I needed to replace the ignition cylinder. I ordered a new part from Napa, drilled out the old cylinder, and installed the new part.

After reassembling the steering column cover and steering wheel, I turned the key and...nothing. The car's electrical instruments turned on, but the starter would not engage. I took the steering wheel back apart and re-examined everything to make sure that it was installed properly, and everything seems fine. The actuator rod turns during key rotation as well.

The starter does not make any attempt to engage, the car has fuel, and it is in neutral. My guess is that there is some issue involving the ignition switch. Anyone have any insight?

Thanks!
-M

*wood1* · 06-17-2012, 04:28 AM

Well... if you jump one of the two yellow wires (heavier ones going to the ignition switch) to the red/blue and it turns the starter over you are correct. It is the switch. Keep working on it.

*wood1* · 06-17-2012, 04:29 AM

Sorry, forgot to welcome you to the site... Welcome!

merrittlentz · 06-17-2012, 01:14 PM

Thanks wood1,

I ended up just jumping it across the starter relay...I couldn't quite figure out how to pull the wires on the ignition switch without cutting them, so I figured this would be easier.

Since the car started up, I am now pretty much positive that it is the switch. I am also wondering if it could be the actuator rod not pushing far enough forward to start the ignition. After looking at the movement of the cylinder, I am now noticing that I have to rotate it a bit farther than normal to start the electrical system. Tomorrow I will remove the ignition cylinder and see if the actuator rod or the gear turning it can be adjusted so that it functions properly.

06-17-2012, 04:12 AM	#1
merrittlentz Wannabe Elite Explorer 1993 Ford Explorer Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 2 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	1993 Ford Explorer Ignition Problems Hi everyone, I drive a 1993 Ford Explorer XLT. My ignition stopped accepting the ignition key a few months back - instead it could be started by simply turning the wings on the ignition cylinder without a key in the ignition. A week ago, my ignition cylinder locked up, preventing me from being able to start the vehicle with or without a key. It would not turn at all. So I figured that I needed to replace the ignition cylinder. I ordered a new part from Napa, drilled out the old cylinder, and installed the new part. After reassembling the steering column cover and steering wheel, I turned the key and...nothing. The car's electrical instruments turned on, but the starter would not engage. I took the steering wheel back apart and re-examined everything to make sure that it was installed properly, and everything seems fine. The actuator rod turns during key rotation as well. The starter does not make any attempt to engage, the car has fuel, and it is in neutral. My guess is that there is some issue involving the ignition switch. Anyone have any insight? Thanks! -M

06-17-2012, 04:28 AM	#2
wood1 Elite Explorer North of Ottawa '93 XLT, Cayman Green RIP Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 3,042 Vehicle Specs	Well... if you jump one of the two yellow wires (heavier ones going to the ignition switch) to the red/blue and it turns the starter over you are correct. It is the switch. Keep working on it. __________________ Ribs. I had ribs for lunch, that's why I'm doing this. List of useful TTB Threads

06-17-2012, 04:29 AM	#3
wood1 Elite Explorer North of Ottawa '93 XLT, Cayman Green RIP Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 3,042 Vehicle Specs	Sorry, forgot to welcome you to the site... Welcome! __________________ Ribs. I had ribs for lunch, that's why I'm doing this. List of useful TTB Threads

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06-17-2012, 01:14 PM	#4
merrittlentz Wannabe Elite Explorer 1993 Ford Explorer Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 2 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Thanks wood1, I ended up just jumping it across the starter relay...I couldn't quite figure out how to pull the wires on the ignition switch without cutting them, so I figured this would be easier. Since the car started up, I am now pretty much positive that it is the switch. I am also wondering if it could be the actuator rod not pushing far enough forward to start the ignition. After looking at the movement of the cylinder, I am now noticing that I have to rotate it a bit farther than normal to start the electrical system. Tomorrow I will remove the ignition cylinder and see if the actuator rod or the gear turning it can be adjusted so that it functions properly.