Replacing ignition switch
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Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2010
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Replacing ignition switch
84 Ford F250 with a 460, and t19 trans. I've been noticing a few issues related to a worn igntion cylinder. Anyway, today it started and randomly died while I was letting it idle and working on my clutch pedal travel. I would get nothing with the clutch pressed in or out and the truck in neutral. I figured the travel was not enough but I don't believe so. I left it in neutral, key on and bumped the solenoid and she fired right up. So I think the switch finally bit the dust. I pulled the horn pad and the steering wheel nut, I marked a spot on the wheel and the column so I can line them up.
Once I get the wheel off with a puller how do I go about replacing a switch?
Once I get the wheel off with a puller how do I go about replacing a switch?
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
FTE Legend
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From: NY and VA
As in the link, the switch is adjustable. Neutral safety switch? To remove the lock cylinder, you need a special paper clip tool. With key in cyl, turn to acc. position, insert end of paper clip (straighten it out) into hole near key. There is a pin that can be depressed so you can turn the key a little more past acc. position and remove the cylinder.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Your question wasn't about the lock cylinder, it was how to get to the switch.
Which I explain in Post #5 in that thread:
But, now, suddenly you change from the switch to the lock cylinder? WTF?
Which I explain in Post #5 in that thread:
The actual ignition switch is on the top of column just behind the dash, there is a metal
rod that leads from the lock cylinder mechanism to it and it's that mechanism that actuates
the switch.
That switch's placement is adjustable, it can be moved along the column (IIRC using
something around 7/16" bolts, might be 10MM). You'll need to remove the headlight & wiper
*****, the cluster trim panel, a trim panel beneath the column, and the column shroud to
access it; then, a few bolts to drop the column. Sounds like a lot but it's pretty easy.
Yeah, the gear assemblies of the lock mechanisms get gooped up over time and stick... I
removed & cleaned mine, used white lithium grease as a lubricant.
rod that leads from the lock cylinder mechanism to it and it's that mechanism that actuates
the switch.
That switch's placement is adjustable, it can be moved along the column (IIRC using
something around 7/16" bolts, might be 10MM). You'll need to remove the headlight & wiper
*****, the cluster trim panel, a trim panel beneath the column, and the column shroud to
access it; then, a few bolts to drop the column. Sounds like a lot but it's pretty easy.
Yeah, the gear assemblies of the lock mechanisms get gooped up over time and stick... I
removed & cleaned mine, used white lithium grease as a lubricant.
But, now, suddenly you change from the switch to the lock cylinder? WTF?
FTE Legend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 53,892
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From: NY and VA
I'm confused....you don't need to pull the steering wheel to replace the switch. Still would check out N/S switch first.
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Cargo Master
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Alright, I'm not sure where that is located?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2010
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Misuse of terms. I take a key switch, ignition switch, key cylinder, ignition cylinder to mean the same thing. That same term may not hold true for you.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Missouri
So did you figure it out? I went through the same *misuse of words* when I was searching too. Everyone pointed towards pulling tons of stuff appart to replace the "ignition switch" it turns out the ignition switch and not the same as the ignition lock cylinder.
To remove the ignition lock cylinder/key switch, look at the bottom of the steering column slitchly to the left of the lock cylinder. You should notice a small hole pointing towards you. (Like if you have your head by the bottom of the steering wheel). In order to remove it, you turn the key to the "Run" position and push something in the hole; and pull the lock cylinder at the same time. Some people say a paperclip will work, but your best bet is to use a small allen wrench.
To remove the ignition lock cylinder/key switch, look at the bottom of the steering column slitchly to the left of the lock cylinder. You should notice a small hole pointing towards you. (Like if you have your head by the bottom of the steering wheel). In order to remove it, you turn the key to the "Run" position and push something in the hole; and pull the lock cylinder at the same time. Some people say a paperclip will work, but your best bet is to use a small allen wrench.
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