Ignition Switch in Cold Weather

Asked by jbavet59 Jan 19, 2016 at 04:34 PM about the 2013 Ford F-150 STX 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

In extreme cold weather, I start my 2013 F150 to let it warm up. When I go
out to the truck, it is running really rough and there is a "wrench" shown on
the dash board.  I had the truck into Ford last year and there was no code
on the computer.  
My question is:  If when starting the truck, the spring loaded ignition key
does not come back all of the way, can this cause the engine to run rough
and the "wrench" to come on?  This happened this morning (-20F) and I
turned it off, then restarted it.  The "wrench" came on, but when I touched
the key i felt it come back.  Everything was fine after that!

Weird!

3 Answers

1,735

Might pay to install a new ignition switch just because it does that. Then test

73,480

Minus 20 degrees plays havoc on anything metal that suppose to move. A sticking ignition switch can be the result of the climate and not a malfunction is the ignition cylinder. When it does it again, try warming it up with a hair dryer and see if it works better. The vehicle is relatively new. The ignition switch is probably not faulty.

34,815

This is for sure extreme weather condition, don't think there's anything wrong with it, it's just the weather being too cold, just make sure the key is back after you start it, if it doesn't spring back, turn it manually

Your Answer:

F-150

Looking for a Used F-150 in your area?

CarGurus has 14,067 nationwide F-150 listings starting at $3,888.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    OJ
    Reputation
    41,970
  • #2
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    16,010
  • #3
    Rowefast
    Reputation
    15,520
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
187 Great Deals out of 7,231 listings starting at $6,495
Used GMC Sierra 1500
160 Great Deals out of 8,184 listings starting at $5,500
Used RAM 1500
501 Great Deals out of 19,287 listings starting at $5,000
Used Toyota Tundra
35 Great Deals out of 962 listings starting at $9,898
Used Ford F-250 Super Duty
21 Great Deals out of 875 listings starting at $9,995
Used Toyota Tacoma
36 Great Deals out of 883 listings starting at $9,975
Used Ford Mustang
37 Great Deals out of 1,634 listings starting at $5,999
Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
34 Great Deals out of 1,558 listings starting at $5,990
Used Chevrolet Colorado
31 Great Deals out of 1,131 listings starting at $4,951
Used RAM 2500
47 Great Deals out of 2,774 listings starting at $15,676
Used Ford Explorer
62 Great Deals out of 1,787 listings starting at $2,888
Used Toyota 4Runner
19 Great Deals out of 519 listings starting at $7,700

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.