The other day when I returned home from work my driverside window would not roll up. I fixed that problem. But then when I went to start my truck, the engine would not turn over. and I noticed that even though the steering wheel was unlocked, the gear shifter on the column was locked and I couldn't move it from park to any other gear, Reverse,neutral,drive,second or first. I had a similar problem before when the engine wouldnt turn over so I put it neutral and tried to start it. but now I can't even try that because I can not shift out of Park. How do I fix this problem and where can I find more info on repairing my 1990 f150 steering column.

 

sounds like you will need to disassemble the column and see whats goin on

 

Does the key spin around? I know that the rod in the steering column can break causing the key cylinder to spin without actually doing anything, this could be part of the unlocked steering wheel. I don't know how it would effect the gear shift though, unless something got jammed up.


Edi:
If it happens to be that little pain-in-the-*** rod then this video should help out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfRFggOtyNw

 

I'm able to turn the key like nomally when your start the engine and I actuallyremoved the steerig wheel to see if I could see what was going on and I also removed the keycylinder and everything looks ok up to that point but I can see much else without removing the whole column and taking it apart. Do you have any clues as to what exactly the problem is?

 

The steering column lock actuator is broken. You need to pull the steering wheel, the turn signal switch plate and the column shroud to get to it.

 

Thanks Lazy K And thats connected to the starter rod right.

 

Yes, there is a little gear cog behind the key switch which meshes with gear teeth in a little rack which moves up and down the column as you turn the key. The rack is connected to the actuator which in turn is connected to the rod that runs down the column to the ign switch.
There is a "leg" on the actuator that locks and unlocks the shifter when the key is turned. When the "leg" breaks off then the shifter is permanently locked.
I will see if I can find you a writeup.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...n-on-f250.html Click on this link and read the post by jas88.

 

Ok now that I know what part I need to replace to unlock the gear shifter, does it matter if my column does not tilt. Do I have to break it down even more to replace the part. Once I replace this part will the engine now start.

 

Not familiar with the non tilt column but I would think it would be easier as you don`t have to deal with the tilt assembly.
Once you get that fixed the truck will start normally. If you need it started you can work the ign switch (on column under dash) manually but you still need to free up the shifter.

 

This has to be the greatest sight for ford truck owners. That video rocked!