'98 F-150,4.6 auto, 150k. Truck's been flawless except for constant "key in ignition" ding. Leaving work, turned ignition switch, dash lights flashed, starter engaged for 1/2 second then nothing - no dash lights, no gauges, no starter. Battery voltage still at 13 volts. Relays 1 & 2 in in-cab fuse panel started clicking - had to leave them out. It seemed as if a power interupt relay was stuck between the ignition "start" and "run" positions. Tried to open steering column housing, found loose wire (black with pink stripe) with connector (possibly broken) and contact tab hanging around ignition cylinder.
Did further tests yesterday. Power locks still work, radio works when igntion switch is on "acc" or "run". No activity from gauges or starter. Still haven't found any bad fuses inside or under hood. Haynes manual isn't all that helpful. Tired wedging loose wire back into ignition cylinder where it looked like it came from and did get starter grind on one attempt but never any activity from gauges. Any history of bad ignition switches on these trucks?
Sorry for the novel - any body have the cliffs notes on this one before I have it towed to the dealer?

 

Had the same problem on my 92. It was just a bad starter relay, located under hood on right fender. About twenty dollars to replace. Be careful not to mix up the wires.

 

laneman, did you lose your dash lights when the starter relay went out?

 

Problem solved. Cleaned battery contacts - no change. No guages or starter activity. Battery was at 13 volts. Heard fuel pump relay chattering with key in run position - so swapped with horn relay. Dash started working again and starter tried to engage but now battery was down to 9 volts. Put in new battery and everything is fine except airbag and ABS lights are on. Still not sure what the real problem was.