So I noticed my turn signals did not work while going to the store. I've checked the #4 fuse, the #C fuse listed for the power distribution box, the relay under the fuse box, and tore apart the multifunction switch to clean the contacts. The signals only work when the ignition is set to ACC, before starting, but not once the van has started....

 

Hi Frank,
This is a quick shot, but I would suspect the ign switch mounted on the lower steering column under the dash. Are there any other accessories that do not work with the key in the ON position?

 

I'm not sure I can help there. The owner ripped out the heater last year and had the radio hard wired to the battery, so I'm not sure what else to test in that mode? Wipers maybe? I can check, but since you mentioned ignition... This problem arose after we noticed a brief problem with the steering, hard to turn for about 5 mins. My wife said she heard a cracking sound, then it felt hard to turn. We were on a back road going into town when it happened. Now when we go to turn over the key, it feels like there is minor resistance. Not difficult, just noticeable. I watched a video on how to do a tear down on the column to see the bar slide back and forth, but that's as far as I am willing to take it down as I still need this to drive. I'm gonna have to go to pull a part and do a tear down for practice if I need to go further...

 

On another note, just testing the ignition by turning it all the way back, I can hear a light thump on the passenger side under the dash...

 

I pulledout the lock cylander, and the ignition switch, and found a loose bearing each time.so I have 2 bearings that I have noidea where they belong...

 

When you say you found 2 loose bearings do you mean the little ***** from a ball bearing assy? If so , they are most likely from the upper steering shaft bearing at the top of the steering column. The bearing is replaceable , can get them from a Ford dealer, but it sounds like there may also be a problem with the rack that moves the switch on the lower part of the column. If you can get another ,like, column from pull a part, you may be able to either swap the entire assy or carefully open up whichever one you choose and see the exact set up so you can correct the problem. Jobs like this are not difficult as long as you go slowly and carefully note each step either in your memory or on paper. You may require a steering wheel puller to remove the steering wheel in order to replace that upper bearing assy.

 

Here is the part I bought, and am installing. Ignition switch, not the cylander.

 

Issue resolved! Thanks Hanky, I was seriously doubting your advise ONlY after tearing apart the multifunction switch. It was so corroded and I doubted the cleaning I gave it. apparently I also have more than 2 wiper speeds!