Hello. 93 xlt -no power when you turn key

[joncole2k1]

Hello all,

I just got my first X yesterday (93 XLT w/ standard trans package) and I'm already having a strange problem with it. When I put the key into the ignition, I have power (lights, radio, etc). If I turn the key back, I still have power. But as soon as I turn to the first position (when the dash lights would come on and the fuel pump, etc) All the power in the vehicle goes out!!

It won't click or even begin to turn over at all. The only way it will reset is if I disconnect the battery, then reconnect it. I get a spark out of the battery terminals and the power is back on and strong. but as soon as I try to start it, the same thing just happens again -- no power at all.

This all started happening when I went to take the key out of the ignition. My vehicle comes with a "safety switch?" located on the top of the steering column. My finger slipped off the switch when I was taking the key out and ever since then it's been having this problem. I checked the fuel pump initera switch and it was no help.

the vehicle also came with 4 keys - one with a plastic blue cover, one with an orange cover and two plain keys.

The one thing it didn't come with was the owners manual. I bought the Haynes guide and it had no refrence to the safety switch. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[walterd140]

Never heard of a 'safety switch' where you have to hold in order to start the truck.
Your problem sounds like it's in the ignition switch itself. Maybe do a search in that area because it's a little dark secret of my truck to me (I don't know anything about them).
Walter

BTW.... welcome to the forum. Hope you get many miles out of it & your Ford

 

[rustbucketMI]

This may sound insignificant but check your battery terminals. clean both the terminals on the battery and the connectors. lights require a lot less amperage to run then the starter does. I had a similiar problem and it turned out that i just needed to clean the terminals. Also check the charge on the battery. Get a buddy and turn it over and see what kind of voltage and amerage you are getting.

If that doesn't work get out a multimeter and start testing things. Check you fuse box for a blown fuse. There are 5,000 things that can go wrong. As far as a safety switch i have never heard of that. The only thing on the top of the steering column should be the hazard light switch.

 

[walterd140]

Re-reading, the safety switch sounds like one of those switches that let you take the key out of the iginition, right?

Also, you have to disconnect, then reconnect the battery. Do as Rust says & clean battery cables.
I would then set your multimeter for ohms & check continunity between battery cable ground & engine (anywhere you can get a good ground). Then continuity between battery cable positive & the alternator wire (The RED One with the rubber boot on it). If all gets 0, your cables are most likely good.
Take the multimeter across your battery terminals with all power off. You should get about 12 volts. Anything lower is a dead battery & will do you no good. Do not go to the next step until you resolve this by either a trickle charge from a battery charger or a new battery.
Then try a start. If no start, jump it. If it starts, check voltage at the battery. Should be above 12 volts. If it is lower, you may also have an alternator issue.

Walter
Where in NH???? I'm outside Springfield & need to get fireworks & Smokes. Would be a good excuse to use on the wife "Honey, A Ford Guy Needs Me"

 

[Robert Morton II]

I had the same problem and it ended up to be no more than needing a cleaning of the cables. They looked clean but needed a better ckeaning.

 

[rustbucketMI]

When cleaning the cables make sure there is bare metal to bare metal contact, exactly like Robert said they may look clean but probably are not.

 

[Robert Morton II]

Haven't heard any response from you yet. Have you tried any of these possible solutions?