Installation of ignition switch on 81 ford f-100

did u hook up the speakers backwards

Hi John,I am assuming you meant ignition switch,here's a link to it,if I am wrong,repost it and I will send another link. SAVE 20 GET BONUS 10 GIFT CARD ON ONLINE SHIP TO HOME ORDERS OF 100 OR MORE Here's another link to a new ignition switch. Ignition Switch at AutoZone com Best Ignition Switch Parts for Cars Trucks...

You're probably loosing power to the coil or the ignition module from the key switch. The ignition system gets power from the key switch in the on position, and also from the starter solenoid in the start position.
You may need to trace the wire from the module to the key switch and check that circuit.

I would be looking at the ignition switch,or the neutral safety switch,be sure the solenoid is hooked up correctly first.Then check to see if the small wire to the solenoid has 12 volts on it when trying to start the engine,if it does not,have 12 volts on this wire,check the neutral safty switch,and if it is fine,replace the ignition switch.

I would try to find a constant power source at the fuse box

Yes,they do,but a 81 does not have points

Here's a copy of a service bulletin on your problem.

I'll bet the dealer says $300 for parts and 2 hrs labor.:screwy:

Ignition Key - Will Not Turn And/Or Cannot Be Removed
NUMBER: 23-23-00
GROUP: Body
DATE: JUNE 30, 2000
SUBJECT:
Ignition Key Will Not Turn And/Or Cannot Be Removed
MODELS:
1997 - 2000 (NS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves performing one or any combination of the following procedures; cutting a new ignition key, and/or adjusting transmission shifter cable, and/or replacing the ignition lock cylinder and/or replacing the ignition lock housing and switch assembly.
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
1. Cannot turn the ignition key when attempting to start vehicle, this condition may be intermittent.
2. Unable to remove the ignition key from the lock cylinder.
PARTS REQUIRED:
AR(1)04778115 Key
AR(1)05003843AB Cylinder, Ignition Lock
AR(1)04690523 Assembly, Ignition Switch and Lock Housing
EQUIPMENT POSSIBLY REQUIRED:
Key Cutter such as Pentastar Service Equipment (PSE) IL-MK1-P2627 or
IL-ECM-100
T-27 Torx Bit
T-25 Torx Bit
T-10 Tamper Resistant Torx Bit
SR-706059 Lock Cylinder Build Kit, Pentastar Service Equipment (PSE)
DIAGNOSIS/REPAIR PROCEDURE:
DOES NOT REQUIRE HOISTS OR OTHER FULL SERVICE FACILITY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT. THIS REPAIR IS COMPATIBLE WITH DAIMLERCHRYSLERS MOBILE SERVICE PROGRAM.
SYMPTOM/CONDITION ONE
1. Ensure the steering wheel is centered and the vehicle is positioned on a level surface.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Insert ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder and attempt to rotate the key to the start position and then the accessory position.
4. If the key does not turn, remove the key from the lock cylinder and rotate it 180°. Reinsert the key into the lock cylinder and attempt to rotate the key. If the key does not turn skip to step 14. If the key does turn make a new key.
NOTE: USE THE KEY CODE ON THE VEHICLE INVOICE TO CORRECTLY CUT THE NEW KEY. KEY CODES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE USING THE D.I.A.L. SYSTEM, MAIN MENU OPTION 13. DO NOT USE A KEY DUPLICATOR TO MAKE THE NEW KEY.
5. Insert the new ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder and attempt to rotate the key to the start position and then the accessory position.
6. If the key turns, remove the key from the lock cylinder and turn it over 180°and reinsert the key into the lock cylinder. Attempt to rotate the key.
7. If the key turns, repeat steps 5 and 6 ten times. If the key continues to rotate smoothly the repair is complete. If the key fails to turn smoothly at each rotation attempt, continue to step 8.
8. Remove the ignition lock cylinder using the procedure outlined on page 8D-29 of the 2000 Town & Country, Caravan and Voyager Service Manual (Publication No. 81-370-0005). DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DISASSEMBLE THE Lock CYLINDER.
9. Build a new lock cylinder to the key code on the vehicle invoice, using the instructions in the Pentastar Service Equipment SR-706059 Lock Cylinder Build Kit.
10. Install the new ignition lock cylinder using the procedure outlined on page 8D-29 of the 2000 Town & Country, Caravan and Voyager Service Manual (Publication No. 81-370-0005).
11. Insert the new ignition key into the new ignition lock cylinder and attempt to rotate the key to the start position and then the accessory position.
12. If the key turns, remove the key from the lock cylinder and turn it over 180°and reinsert the key into the lock cylinder. Attempt to rotate the key.
13. If the key turns, repeat steps 11 and 12 ten times. If the key continues to rotate smoothly the repair is complete. If the key fails to turn smoothly at each rotation attempt, continue to step 14.
14. Remove the ignition lock housing and ignition switch as an assembly using the procedure outlined beginning on page 19-47 of the 2000 Town & Country, Caravan and Voyager Service Manual (Publication No. 81-370-0005).
NOTE: SKIP STEPS 13 AND 14 OF THE SERVICE MANUAL REMOVAL PROCEDURE SO THE IGNITION LOCK HOUSING AND IGNITION SWITCH ARE REMOVED AS AN ASSEMBLY.
15. Install a new ignition lock housing and ignition switch assembly, p/n 04690523, using the procedure outlined beginning on page 19-49 of the 2000 Town & Country, Caravan and Voyager Service Manual (Publication No. 81-370-0005).
NOTE: PRIOR TO PERFORMING STEP 2 OF THE SERVICE MANUAL LOCK HOUSING INSTALLATION PROCEDURE, INSTALL THEN REMOVE THE TWO LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING MOUNTING SCREWS INTO THE LOCK HOUSING MOUNTING HOLES TO CREATE THE THREADS IN THE HOLES.FAILURE TO CREATE THE MOUNTING HOLE THREADS PRIOR TO INSTALLATION TO THE STEERING COLUMN MAY CAUSE MISALIGNMENT OF THE LOCK HOUSING TO STEERING COLUMN AND DAMAGE BINDING OF STEERING COLUMN MAY RESULT.
STEPS 5 AND 6 OF THE SERVICE MANUAL INSTALLATION PROCEDURE FOR THE LOCK HOUSING ARE NOT NECESSARY FOR THIS TSB PROCEDURE.
WHEN PERFORMING STEP 9 OF THE SERVICE MANUAL PROCEDURE USE THE NEW LOCK CYLINDER THAT WAS BUILT IN STEP 9 OF THE SYMPTOM/CONDITION ONE DIAGNOSIS / REPAIR PROCEDURE OF THIS BULLETIN.
16. Insert the new ignition key into the new ignition lock cylinder and attempt to rotate the key to the start position and then the accessory position.
17. If the key turns, remove the key from the lock cylinder and turn it over 180°and reinsert the key into the lock cylinder. Attempt to rotate the key.
18. If the key turns, repeat steps 16 and 17 ten times. If the key continues to rotate smoothly the repair is complete.
SYMPTOM/CONDITION TWO
1. Check the operation of the shift lever. The shift lever should fall freely away from the driver when it is brought up into the Park position.
2. If the shift lever does not seat fully up and away from the driver the column will not allow the key to be removed.
3. If binding of the shift lever is discovered, adjust the transmission shift cable using the procedure outlined on page 21-114 of the 2000 Town & Country, Caravan and Voyager Service Manual (Publication No. 81-370-0005).

Check the hall effect switch in the distributor. That will cause this problem for no spark

You have a vacuum leak on your intake. Check all the bolts again, and hoses, and make sure your gasket didn't slip off the back.

I'd start probing with a test light, or continuity test. Try in & out of your brake switch at pedal, if power there, follow harness outside & down under, and work your way back, or start at plug under, at rear bumper area,or above, near axle probably, & work forward. If you use continuity tester, run a jumper wire from wire going from switch at brake pedal (wire that doesn't have power until pedal pressed.) long enough to reach the back tail lights & see if continuity is there,at back of socket, or in socket, then work forward from there. My guess is that when you find the bad spot in that wire, you'll find the other too.