Does not start after replacing the steering column?

2006 FORD TAURUS
116,766 MILES
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ANGELA MORRISON
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I just put a steering column and a new starter in my car. The lights in the horn and everything is working but it's not starting, it's not clicking it's not doing anything.
Mar 18, 2023 at 2:49 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

When you place it in park, does the gear indicator show the correct position? Have you tried to see if it will start in neutral?

If I had to guess, either something isn't fully connected at the ignition switch or maybe even a pin was bent when you connected it.

When you turn the key on, do the dash lights turn on normally?

Do me a favor. I attached the directions for the removal and installation of the steering column. There were two different designs, floor mount shifter and column mount. Both are included. Take a look through the directions and see if there is anything you may have missed.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

See pics below.
Mar 18, 2023 at 6:18 AM
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ANGELA MORRISON
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Someone else put it in for me when the lights come on and the horn blow, but like you said when you move the gift shelf it's not right. It's not like when you put it on park it don't be in park stuff it's not making a sound not a click. I just put a brand new starter in there today and it's still not doing a click so I'm thinking it's in the steering column.
Mar 19, 2023 at 3:21 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

It really sounds like the shift linkage is off. I need you to try something for me.

Open the hood. Under the battery/battery tray is where the transmission range sensor is located. Have a helper shift through the gears while you watch to make sure that it is moving.

I attached a pic and highlighted the trans range sensor to help locate it.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
Mar 19, 2023 at 1:46 PM
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