ignition switch

[jim77885]

My wife tried starting our 2001 4.0 yesterday, but it wouldn't start. When she took the key out, the "chiming" noise continued as if the key was still in the ignition. By the time I got home, the battery had been drained. It seems like the truck thinks it's "on". Is this an ignition switch problem?

 

[ericbphoto]

Can you turn the switch back and forth without the key and get it back to the "off" position? If so, the cylinder is probably worn or it's internal pins are sticking. If so, the cylinder is pretty easy to replace.

Many people have too many keys or other objects on their keyring making it heavy. Over time, this wears out the ignition cylinder and key prematurely.

This message composed solely of recycled electrons. Go green!

 

[adsm08]

If the little flapper that tells the chime the key is in gets stuck, that will happen.

Should take a good while for it to drain the battery though, couple days at least.

 

[jim77885]

Update: Put in a new battery and everything seems ok. I'm still wondering why when the old battery was in the truck I was getting the chime, even when no key was in the ignition. I would put the key in the ignition and try to start the truck. When I took the key out, chime continued.