If you can get he current switch to give you a reliable 'Key On' function then buy a starter switch (momentary pushbutton) and wire it to the solenoid(relay). Take a wire through the firewall and run it to the small red wire on the soleniod, connect it to one side of the switch, then for the other wire find a good source under the dash for a 'key on' power source, best spot is in the fuse block. Connect this wire to the key only power source and to the remaining terminal on the new switch, find a home for it on your dash or lower panel and you will have a very simple and CHEAP way to start and run your car reliably. If your Truck does not have a solenoid on the inside fender just omit that part and find the wire that goes to the starter 'S' socket usually the small wire on the left side of the starter solenoid when facing the front of the starter and trace it up into the engine compartment, splice in and then the oter wire goes to the fuse block key on source. When you are done, to start the truck you will still need the key to turn on power before you can start the car which makes it a little harder to steal.

Sounds like its not your ignition key switch,but the colume mounted neutral safety starter switch!

The one the key pushs(rod runs down the back of the colume.     The colume has four bolts or so holding the support bracket,take these out and the colume will drop down so you can see the switch.

  bob  [:D]

Mike, I replaced the ignition switch on my ghetto sled, (towncar), and had similar results. The housing moves around almost freely and you have to manually align it to get the key in. I guess aftermarket Ford parts aren't up to original specs. Good luck.

you could always go to a U-pull-ot type yard and get a different collum and try that.

Factory parts work much better . ALL THE PARTS are made by one manufacturer . The 100% parts are shipped to the factory . The less than 100% parts are sold off cheaper & cheaper as the quality of the components get worse !

You can find non factory parts containing the manufactures logo ( GM , Ford oval , Chrysler star etc..).So there ya go ...

Tell the dealer you want a MOTORCRAFT or  AC DELCO part or you will be stuck in POS korean off brand switch hell.

Mike  the ign switch just trigers the starter switch,look on the collum thats probably your bug!   It is spring loaded and returns the key to run position,like wise if the vehicle is not in nuetral or park(auto)clutch pushed in standard it wont allow the truck to start!

Since it is starting then it is just not pressuring the key switch back to the proper position for run.    

That may not be it,but its a good place to check before Jimmie Rigging it.



 Bob  [:D]

Mike check your IM, this is something that you can do yourself, you need to change the electrical part called the "Ignition Switch." Details in IM.