Key will not turn
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Key will not turn
Went to start my truck yesterday and my key will not turn. I even used the OEM Ford key that has been seldom used. How is the tumbler removed? As for a new part, Ford only? JYD? Thanks in advance to those who respond.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Are you parked on a hill with the steering wheel turned and without using the parking brake? I'll bet pressure is being put on the steering wheel to turn, and the column locking mechanism is keeping that from happening. Has nothing to do with the tumbler, replacing that will do nothing but waste time and money.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
There is also a pot-metal piece in the mechanism that connects the tumbler to the ignition switch, it's also part of the wheel-locking mechanism. This piece is known to break, mostly on columns with tilt wheel.
Here is a good write-up:
Ignition Actuator Replacement on an '85 w/tilt - FSB Forums
Here is a good write-up:
Ignition Actuator Replacement on an '85 w/tilt - FSB Forums
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Not really. You can remove the plastic column shroud and see if you can move the rod up & down the column, this will activate the ignition switch and might let you get the engine running. But if you can't unlock and turn the steering wheel, or shift out of Park on auto-trans, you're pretty much stuck.
If you can get the engine & lights/signals working, and steering wheel turning, you can crawl underneath and disconnect the shift linkage from the transmission, and move the transmission shifting lever(s) manually.
That write-up I posted above has all the instructions, there's a link in the first post to additional information, too.
Hope this helps, let us know....
If you can get the engine & lights/signals working, and steering wheel turning, you can crawl underneath and disconnect the shift linkage from the transmission, and move the transmission shifting lever(s) manually.
That write-up I posted above has all the instructions, there's a link in the first post to additional information, too.
Hope this helps, let us know....
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 731
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From: Jonesborough, TN
There is also a pot-metal piece in the mechanism that connects the tumbler to the ignition switch, it's also part of the wheel-locking mechanism. This piece is known to break, mostly on columns with tilt wheel.
Here is a good write-up:
Ignition Actuator Replacement on an '85 w/tilt - FSB Forums
Here is a good write-up:
Ignition Actuator Replacement on an '85 w/tilt - FSB Forums
Although its on another list, that is an awesome write up. Especially the pictures with the items circled at each point in the dissassembly. Reps to you, Chris, for digging that one up, or at least posting the link again.
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2010
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I remember I had a similir problem on my 83 f150. I removed the ignition switch (fairly fast and easy with a steering wheel puller) and went to autozone. Got a replacement for about 12 bucks. Installed and has worked great since. Hope that helps.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
It's in the Sticky, I don't remember who submitted it.
I don't have any problems with linking to good information on other sites, that's why it's called the World Wide Web.
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