Ignition Switch wont start truck

[andys1971f100]

I have a 1971 Ford F100. 360V8 automatic tranny 2wd. I went to use the key on my truck one day to start it and the truck wouldn't start. I replaced the battery and solenoid and still no start. I was able to start the truck by jumping the solenoid to engage the starter. I decided to wire a push button switch to the solenoid so i could start the truck without having to open the hood each time. I got a ignition switch from a junkyard 72 F250. It had they keys too! Installed the 72 switch and still no start. I am able to shut off the truck using the key just not able to start it with the key. I have poured over the diagrams here. I just cant figure out why the key wont start the truck. Please help I really want to use my key to start the truck.

[72BahamaBlue]

Have you checked the neutral safety switch? I may be stuck, worn or out of adjustment.

[andys1971f100]

You know I complete forgot about the neutral safety switch. Is located under the hood on the steering column or under the dash? The diagrams are not very specific. Is it possible disconnect the switch and jumper the wire to test to see if the switch is bad? Thank you for your help.

[351WF250]

The neutral safety switch is at the bottom of the steering column inside the cab. Have you tried putting the truck in neutral and then trying the key?

[72BahamaBlue]

There's a metal arm that sticks out of the column tube, moves the pin on the switch. Sometimes the pin gets stuck, arm wont move it.
Here's a photo...

[andys1971f100]

Thanks for the help guys. The pic really helped. I'm gonna go out in the snow today and take a loolk at it. Bahamablue that's the color paint i choose for painting my 1981 International Thomas built bus body bus that i converted into a camper.

[andys1971f100]

I tried the neutral safety switch, wiggled it, Truck started using the key!!!!! Thank you so much guys. I figure if it keep up i will replace the switch but for now its ok. Thank you thank you!!!

[andys1971f100]

upon closer inspection i found that the pin that is in the steering column that moves when the gear shift lever moves is missing. So that is why it would not start. Is there a place or something i can put in to use as the pin?

[72BahamaBlue]

I think you're pretty much stuck with finding a replacement, it's a unique piece.
On the shift-tube there's 3 holes...middle hole locates the lever with a small tab,(you can just see it in the photo). into the outer 2 holes is where the lever is secured. I hope that makes sense...
The shift lever should be in "D", should be able to clip it into place with an audible "click". Hopefully those holes aren't distorted...
I wonder what happened to that lever?

[andys1971f100]

'm gonna look around on the floor to see if its not laying there. Does other year f series truck have this option? Say a newer than 1971? What about the econoline vans? I wonder if the E series vans have this same clip. I also wonder if the bigger F series trucks/ or school buses have this clip. I know where there are a lot of those style school buses. I'm happy i know what the problem is just kinda sad that i lost the part. The truck i got the ignition switch off of in the junkyard was missing the steering column. So gotta find another truck somewhere.

[DCrusher]

67 - 77 any of them should work 78 I think is the first year they put the neutral safety on the trans I don't know about buses but I would think the vans would be the same. Maybe someone can chime in on that question. But I remember some of our old repops were making them still but unless it hitch a ride with you in your pants cuff or your shoes it should be around there some where. If not use a small L bracket and screw it to the inner tube with a very short screw But getting in there is a challenge unless you have a right angle drill.

'm gonna look around on the floor to see if its not laying there. Does other year f series truck have this option? Say a newer than 1971? What about the econoline vans? I wonder if the E series vans have this same clip. I also wonder if the bigger F series trucks/ or school buses have this clip. I know where there are a lot of those style school buses. I'm happy i know what the problem is just kinda sad that i lost the part. The truck i got the ignition switch off of in the junkyard was missing the steering column. So gotta find another truck somewhere.

[andys1971f100]

I stumbled across this site that has my clip for the neutral safety switch. I'm gonna order from there. They have other parts there too. Some are reasonable priced and some are not but its not a bad looking site. Lots to check out. Covers just about all for trucks up to 1979 and even has parts for model A & T and edsel and econoline vans.

http://macsautoparts.com/ford-pickup-tr ... SA1000031/