I own a 1999 Ford ranger 3.0 flex fuel 4x4 that I currently have an issue with. Yesterday when I went to start my truck I turned the key and I heard an immediate click and the key turner is now limp and can turn without any pressure being applied. The truck will not start but it still recognizes that the key is in the ignition and all of my electronics remain on (radio, dash lights, etc...) even when I remove the key. My guess is possibly my starter solenoid or starter. I don't actually know and hope that someone will be able to give me some insight. Even after I pulled the battery to reset it, when i hooked the battery back up all of the electronics came back on as if the key is still in. It seems as though the truck has power and possibly something just snapped as it may be stuck in the position where it still recognizes the key.

Any and all information will be greatly appreciated and I look forward to hearing back from you guys. Thanks in advance.

 

The linkage from the key tumbler that connects to the switch, lower down on the steering column has become disconnected somehow.
Probably the switch broke where the linkage rod mounts into the switch.

 

+1 ^^^

In the steering column behind the key cylinder is a gear and rod setup
Drawing here: https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...e1343a526d.gif

When you rotate the key the gear pulls or pushes the rod that runs down the steering column to the Ignition switch, that is located under the steering column above brake pedal

Whole setup seen here: http://www.fixya.com/uploads/images/BBD532A.gif

Ignition switch looks like this: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/KK2uO_xaDKA/maxresdefault.jpg

It has a pin that the Rod connects to and when you turn the key the switch SLIDES into it's 4 positions
ACC OFF RUN START

You can remove this switch and slide it to turn things off, or on or to start engine
Also you can then check that end of the rod to see if it is loose or broken

Steering wheel needs to be pulled off to repair/replace that rod


It could just be key cylinder is broken, probably not but still worth pulling it out to see
Google: ford ranger ignition lock cylinder replacement
Loads of videos on how to do that