# Something is wrong with my ignition! 1996 Ford Ranger

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/something-is-wrong-with-my-ignition-1996-ford-ranger/48009>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** ignition, ford, ranger\
**Created:** [April 26, 2010, 7:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/something-is-wrong-with-my-ignition-1996-ford-ranger/48009 "2010-04-26T19:44:48Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![daniel89](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ac91a4/32.png) [@daniel89](https://community.cartalk.com/u/daniel89)\
**Post date:** [April 26, 2010, 7:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/something-is-wrong-with-my-ignition-1996-ford-ranger/48009/1 "2010-04-26T19:44:48Z")

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Hey guys,  
  
  
  
 I’ve got a problem with my ignition in my Ford Ranger. The engine keeps running when switched to the ‘off’ position. I have to clutch out to kill it. The switch is very loose. There is a lot of play while the key is in. The engine will start okay but I can’t shut it off. All of the electronics stay on as if that switch is in the ‘on’ position. At the moment I have it in the garage with the battery unplugged to it doesn’t drain. This happened suddenly. It was working fine, I drove a few miles to a store and when I got there I realized the ignition felt different (loose) and I couldn’t shut off the engine.  
  
  
  
 Is there anything I can do?

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**Author:** ![missileman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/missileman/32/1366_2.png) [@missileman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/missileman)\
**Post date:** [April 26, 2010, 8:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/something-is-wrong-with-my-ignition-1996-ford-ranger/48009/2 "2010-04-26T20:10:52Z")

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You need to have a good mechanic check this out. Since the airbag system is involved this is not a DIY job.

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**Author:** ![ken\_green](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/ken_green/32/816_2.png) [@ken\_green](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ken_green)\
**Post date:** [April 26, 2010, 9:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/something-is-wrong-with-my-ignition-1996-ford-ranger/48009/3 "2010-04-26T21:03:17Z")

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The column needs to come apart to check linkage.

The place where you put the key is not the switch, it’s just a lock cylinder.  
The ignition switch is further down the column worked when you turn the key by a series of levers/linkage ( more than one to allow a tilt column to work there ).  
One of those is broken ( ‘happened suddenly’ ). They can bump each other downward allowing you to start the truck but with one broken the other cannot pull it back up to ‘off’ ( giving it that loose feeling ).

As stated, if the truck has an airbag, proper procedure must be followed to disassemble.