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Key switch free fall

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Old Dec 22, 2014 | 07:33 PM
  #1  
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dyoungen
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From: Perry Georgia
Key switch free fall

I was working on my my 1987 F250 Diesel and had the steering column loose. After I got the problem fixed I put the steering column back in place and now the key just goes like the return spring is gone. Also the truck won't do anything. No start like the connection is gone.
I'm trying to remove the key ignition switch from my 1987 F259 Diesel. I watched the youtube "how to" and tried to push the ***** punch into the pin but it doesn't come out? Any suggestions?
 
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Old Dec 23, 2014 | 08:08 AM
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tjc transport
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sounds like the lower actuator broke.
lower the column so you can access the ignition switch.
see if you can start the truck by moving either the rod going into the switch, or remove the switch and see if you can start it by using a screwdriver to move the switch. if it starts, the actuator is broken and need to be replaced.
it is not a real hard job. takes around 2 hours, and the part is under $20.
 
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Old Dec 24, 2014 | 08:41 AM
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dyoungen
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key freefall fell.........

Took the steering column apart and found the potmetal horshoe thing, whatever it's called broke. Now the fun begins
 
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Old Dec 24, 2014 | 09:15 AM
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tjc transport
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yup, just what i thought.
it is called the ignition actuator.

he is a link to it at autozoo: $9.99
Ignition Switch Actuator at AutoZone.com - Best Ignition Switch Actuator Parts for Cars, Trucks & SUVS

advanced auto: $15.79
Dorman - Help Ignition Actuator - With Tilt Wheel 83280: Choose the best at Advance Auto Parts

NAPA: $12.15
NAPA AUTO PARTS

it is also available from Ford dealer parts dept, but i don't know what the part number is.
when viewing youtube videos on replacement, a lot of people recommend breaking a piece off to put the new one in. DON'T!!!
it only take an extra 10 minutes to remove the parts to put it in correctly.
 
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Old Dec 24, 2014 | 10:01 PM
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Finally got the switch out and also the actuator. Watched a guy on " grind his actuator so he didn't have to dissamble the whole column on "youtube". The button on the switch was frozen so I pryed the switch out. Everybody said to "push the button and it'll slide right out" Wrong!! After I brobe the end off the cylinder I saw a circlip holding the washer in place. After I had everything apart everything went back together fine AND I could push the button and the cylinder pulled out. Aint these old trucks fun to work on?
 
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Old Dec 25, 2014 | 09:10 AM
  #6  
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tjc transport
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wouldn't have it any other way!!!!

















it keeps us thinking!
 
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Old Dec 25, 2014 | 12:40 PM
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Timely info, the previous owner of my van bypassed the key start with a switch on the dash, and start does nothing. Given the play in the tumbler, I'm thinking the actuator is worn out.

Sent from my Brigadier using IB AutoGroup
 
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