Took the key tumbler assembly out today and now for the life of me, I can't get it to go back in. Any advice?

 

Do a search here. This subject has come up at least once, maybe a thousand times. Reverse the procedure!

 

Yup, the search will help but don't miss the obvious. I spent two hours with the same problem until I retraced the few simple steps and the piece slid in and stayed there. Remember that you removed the tumbler from a position to the left of "acc". That position doesn't exist when you operate the lock with key and without paper clip. Look in the lock cylinder and identify all the possible positions as you turn through them with a screwdriver. You want the left-most position. You need the tumbler to match that position. Have a close look at what the paper clip is doing - it is nothing magical, and need only go in 1/16" or so to do its thing.
Eric

 

So I need the paper clip to put it back in? I tried with it and without it and couldn't get it to work. I have done it before without any problems, just can't seem to get it to go in this time.

 

I tried all possible combinations and found success with both key and paper clip in use.
Eric

 

Definitely needed the paper clip to reinstall. Got it back in, thanks.

 

Mark, You should have shot it with plenty of WD40 to assist. It should not require the paper clip to re-install. The paperclip allows the full left turn for removal.

But it is what it is, ya got it back in.



John

 

John,

I think I must have turned something on the assembly accidentally after I took it out. Once that happened, I needed to use the paper clip to realign it. But I think you are right in that if I had just set it down carefully and not turned anything, it would have popped back in without the need to use the paperclip.

 

I fought the same thing yesterday. Couldn't get it for the life of me. Then I checked out You Tube and found a simple video that showed me how to do it. Worked like a charm. I typed in , " how to install ignition switch in 66 F100". The video was for 60's Fords in general, but was exactly what I needed. Good luck.

 

Wish you had provided a link, it listed 14,400 results, one 33 min long.



John

 

WILD HORSES Ignition switch install/remove 66-77 Bronco. Look it up on You Tube.

 

By the way, I'm pretty sure that Marc (66F-100) was helping me with my switch problems and created his own. Just shows the length the people on the forum go to help.. I thank you Mark for your help as I do all that answer my rookie questions. I hope you are up and running.
Scott

 

Yeah, Scott that's what it was but all is well now. I'm an expert at it now. Hope you get yours going soon.

 

Guess it's fairly clear from comments the key assembly has to be in same position installing as it was removing. Looking at the tumbler, there's a concentric 'cam' on the end that has to fit into corresponding 'slot' inside the switch for the key assembly to engage and lock into the switch. Look closely and will notice to align the 'cam' with the 'slot' need to use the p clip and rotate the key assembly counterclockwise, insert the key assembly into the switch and turn the key clockwise.