What the hell..? Busted ignition.

[BurningRubber]

Hey guys, im posting this for a freind.. Hes got a 1998 3.8 Mustang and he called me the other day and said his car was busted, it wouldnt turn off and his key could rotate all the way forward and all the way back, and nothing would happen. Car wouldnt turn off, he had to disconnect the battery. Needless to say it wont turn on now either. The key just flings all the way over and back with NO resistance. So it sounds like his ignition is totally stripped out. I told him we were gonna need to pull the steering colum apart to mess with it. Does that sound like a correct diagnosis.. or you guys think its something else?? Its kinda wierd.. and he doesnt have a car now, so all the help is appreciated.. Cost wise, how hard it will be.. ect.. Thanks fellas.

 

[Engage47]

/\ sounds good to me had simmilar prob with the GT when some iddiots tried to steal it...and failed...fuel cutoff switches teh win

 

[doc4444]

I agree. Hosed ignition. Good luck.

 

[Immortal LuD]

Nothing with the fuel cutoff switch. It's probably the same problem I have right now, and still haven't had fixed for the past year or so...

There's a spring or something inside the steering column that connects to a rod that pushes and pulls on the ignition switch. Something must have broken. You won't feel any resistance with the key... It just rotates all the way without doing anything.

The only thing I can think of, is a new steering column. I really didn't want to mess with that, but I haven't found anybody that can fix it for me.

 

[Chythar]

A new steering column isn't that bad, I've done it on my '95 GT. It's just bolts to remove and a few electrical connectors. Just make sure the airbag system is discharged; disconnect the battery for at least 15 minutes, then start tearing in to it.

Pull apart the steering column first, then you'll see what needs to be done. If you're stuck, PM me - I rarely read the V6 forum.