So the other night my car died while I was driving. It died for less than a second, just enough to make the dash lights flash and such. I didn't think it was anything to worry about. Then yesterday it died again as I went to back into a parking spot. Moving the shifter lever is what triggered it to shut off. I must bumped the shifter lever that night. It died again when I put it in drive to leave said parking place.
So I think I should replace the ignition switch and inspect the wiring. I wouldn't want it to erupt into flames, now would I? But honestly, where should I get a new switch? Should it be a Motorcraft part? Or would it just have the same design flaw? How hard is it to replace on my 84?
Last one I bought was around $20. Just undo the trim around the colum and see what you will have to do. Should just be two bolts and the wires going to it. However, on my 86 there was no head on the bolt. You might have to slot it to get it out. Some have security torx bits.
I usually install the Motorcraft ones. I "assume".... they have corrected the cause.
I had a '88 Aerostar which used the same switch as the Birds that died on occasion(usually in traffic), ign sw was the problem... I replaced it with one from a junk '87 T-Bird and never had another problem...