1995 AWD Aerostar ignition switch ? UPDATE FIXED

Link

Rear Admiral
Joined
Apr 13, 2003
Messages
4,221
Problem:<br />After starting the vehicle I can't always get it out of Park!<br />Most of the time yes, and sometimes I can rock the ignition switch back into place and it will come out of park.<br /><br />Feels like the spring isnt returning the key to the right place after starting.<br /><br />There is a condition with a blown fuse that this will happen. (Does not have a blown fuse)<br />But I can and have been using the emerg method for the blown fuse to get it out of park.<br /><br />I just read how to take the cylinder lock out. Sounds easy enough.<br />My first question: <br />Is will this give me access to the "spring area" ?<br /><br />My second question:<br />Is this something that can be done in a driveway or is it going to mean taking a whole lot of stuff apart?<br /><br />Thanks for your input<br /><br />Link

Sorry about being so late to do this. I'm usually more on top of things.
Parked the van at 11pm and walked behind it to go into house. Dark outside. No brake lights on.
Next morning I went outside and the brake lights were on.
Battery dead etc.
Took it repair shop. Told them take their time.
Got a call two hours later that it was ready for pick up.
Turns out that the brake light switch had broke and wasn't always making contact when I pushed down on the brake pedal.
Sometime the night before the switch had allowed the contacts to weld together.
$65.00 later and fixed.

Thanks for the help.
 

SlowlySinking

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 31, 2002
Messages
897
Re: 1995 AWD Aerostar ignition switch ?

Re: 1995 AWD Aerostar ignition switch ?

As I recall the spring is part of the ignition switch that is actually located low on the steering column and takes a lot of work to get to. It can't hurt to spray some WD-40 in the ignition key slot and see if that helps. <br /><br />Another possibility,,, <br /><br />There is also a mechanical interlock that prevents taking the tranny out of park unless you press the brake pedal. It's located under the dash near the top of the steering column. <br /><br />Also, run the computer codes and see what comes back. Here's a link that show how to get the codes without expensive test equipment. <br /><br /> http://www.troublecodes.net/Ford/ <br /><br />Good luck,,,
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: 1995 AWD Aerostar ignition switch ?

Re: 1995 AWD Aerostar ignition switch ?

Link,<br /><br />The "park interlock" is not related to the ignition switch. It is related to the brake pedal. If you do not have it (brake pedal) depressed, it is NOT coming out of park.<br /><br />The system is electrically connected to the tail lights. NO brake lights-No disengage, from park.
 

Link

Rear Admiral
Joined
Apr 13, 2003
Messages
4,221
Re: 1995 AWD Aerostar ignition switch ?

Re: 1995 AWD Aerostar ignition switch ?

SS good web site<br />I book marked it for futher reference.<br /><br />DJ<br />
The "park interlock" is not related to the ignition switch.
I did not know that. That was/is a big help.<br />I knew about the brakes and your post got me to thinking about a problem I had a few years ago with a after market electronic brake switch for pulling a trailer.<br /><br />Will check it out tonight<br /><br />thanks<br /><br />Link
 

Link

Rear Admiral
Joined
Apr 13, 2003
Messages
4,221
Re: 1995 AWD Aerostar ignition switch ? UPDATE FIXED

Arrrg had to bump just to get it to page one..
 
Top