2002 - What is this part?

[cbul]

My son was driving our 2002 Explorer and heard a "click" the Engine died. No surging no engine clunking just a click and dead. I found a small part on the drivers floor after this event.
Stainless spring with a white plastic sleeve and a small brass roller on the end.
Here is a link to a web album as I can't post pics here yet.
https://picasaweb.google.com/101586859004372429983/August132013#5911701205542539842

A little back ground on the Truck it has super high miles as in 347000. It has been very dependable for my father and he passed it to my son to dive. He would do oil changes every 5,000 and fixed stuff as things wore out. Its on its second transmission. I noticed when I tried to start it the the battery light winked at me. It turns over but nothing fires. Does this part have anything to do with it not starting?
Ideas or an ID on the part.
Help!

 

[Rick]

That's a new one on me... I am guessing that it is part of a switch assembly. Does your Explorer have a manual or auto trans?

Welcome to the forum, and I hope we can help you figure out what happened.

 

[HiImBrian]

My best guess would be part of the ignition assembly. Especially with the spring and brass roller. Maybe without that piece it will not keep enough tension to remain in the "run" position.

I'd say to start methodically taking the steering column apart and look for where that piece of plastic broke off. Just be sure to take notes on how it all goes back together, things are pretty tight in there.

I'd try and find an intact steering column at my local pull-a-part and tear into that first. It'll give you a chance to see how everything comes apart and you don't have to be TOO careful about disassembling it. And you may even find your new part while you're at it.

 

[XtremeRanger]

gotta be a record at 347k...lol

 

[cbul]

Rick- She is an Auto. Please note the snuff can is only for size reference. I took the part to several local mech. as well as the Ford dealership and all were stumped. Is it possible that this is not a ford part?
I do like the idea of exploratory take a-apart of a intact system. I will start with
a computer reading and see what that shows.
When I crank it it sounds like it has no compression. Broken timing belt/chain???
That is my buddies guess with out getting busting out the wrenches. So if that is the case is she destined for the scrap yard or is she worth fixing......347000 is a lot on the entire rig.
Cut my losses?
Fix it? New used engine but the transmission is still tired....
Opinions?

 

[Rick]

I've seen that part before, and I think it's from the steering column shifter, or ignition switch interlock. I just don't know for sure...

My other guess is that it's part of a switch that works of of the brake pedal.

I 'm 99% sure it's part of a switch assembly. Just figuring out where it goes is the problem since most people probably never had to deal with that. Your mileage is extreme to say the least!