Chris_Mustang

Our son drove our Mustang to the gas station. When he was finished filling up the Mustang would not start. When we turn the key it rolls smoothly from forward to back. That is, we do not hear the usual clicking sounds nor feel the normal resistance when turning the ignition key.

We charged the battery and replaced the lock cylinder and unfortunately neither was any help. I'm guessing something in the steering column beyond the lock cylinder but am unsure how to determine this or if it is a part past the lock cylinder (there are three parts immediately past the lock cylinder according to the schematic), how I would replace them.

Any insights would be appreciated.
Chris

04goat

Sounds like part of what you are explaining is the anti theft. there should be a rod that runs down. it has to push the start sqirch at the bottom. Thats how i am picturing it.

Chris_Mustang

Thank you for your thoughts. I did see a rod (about as big as a pencil lead) in the steering column that moved forward and back when the ignition key was turned. I only noticed that it was moving back and forth with the key's turning -- not what it hit as it moved forward (which switch that is). I'll look tonight to see what switch it impacts. The lack of resistance when the key turns is surprising to me but maybe the rod hits a multi-position switch that provides the usual resistance and clicking sound. Thank you again.

petrock

Don’t forget to check for any blown fuses. Do you hear the fuel pump priming when you turn the key forward? Do you hear the fuel pump & starter relays clicking when you try to start the car? The answer to these questions will help pinpoint the problem. Good luck...

Chris_Mustang

Thank you for your thoughts. We checked for blown fuses but could not find any. When we turn the key there is no sound at all -- as if the ignition system is not making a connection. We're going to tow it to the shop tomorrow and see what they make of it. Thank you again for your help.

96t-bird

Hi, A long with petrock suggestion. when you replaced the lock cylinder . did you have your keys reprogrammed for the new lock?

Chris_Mustang

We replaced the lock cylinder, without re-programming the keys, but when it did not help we put the original lock cylinder back in. We towed it to the shop Friday and while they could not pinpoint the problem they thought replacing the steering column would get the Mustang running again. We should have it back next week. Thank you for your ideas as the shop had similar ones about having to re-program the keys if they were unable to use the original key and lock cylinder.

96t-bird

OK, keep us posted. Sorry i could not help more.Hopefully you up and running next week.

Chris_Mustang

The shop replaced the steering column and the problem has been solved. The issue was too deep in the column for them to provide any insight to the real issue. Thank you for your help!

petrock

Probably a broken wire in the steering column somewhere. Good to hear you got it fixed.