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?

 

you have to turn the key to the run position then the pin should push in and you can pull the switch assembly out.

 

you need to start in off i think and turn the key to run while pushing up on the pin. then when you feel it pop up, pull the key cylinder out.
it takes a bit of wiggling to get it started, then even more to get it out.

 

I think I just found my problem. The pot metal linkage connecting the switch to the rod that goes to the switch on the steering column is broken. Might not need to replace the ignition switch

 

If it is tilt wheel let the fun begin. It's a major tear down of the steering colume to replace that pot metal piece of *^%#.

 

Had the same thing happen to me about a month ago. The local auto store had the pot linkage in stock in the Help rack. Wasn't that bad of a job to replace. I went ahead and also replaced the ignition switch and key switch while I had it all apart.

 

I have a new lock cylinder and mine won't release, either. The pin won't budge no matter what. My old one still works, technically, but it needs replaced. I think the fact that it's broken is why it won't release.

 

When the key is in the run position is when the cylinder lines up so you can push the pin in and remove the whole thing. Might take a little wiggling of the key in the run position to be able to push the pin in. I used a small screw driver to push the pin in.

 

I got the same info from many people including the dealership. "Put in run, push the pin that goes thru the housing and the key cylinder will slip out." WRONG!! I tried that and it refused to "slip out". Ended up prying it out and broke the end off the cylinder. Looked closer and saw a circlip at the bottom holding a washer in. Got the circlip out and the washer, with a notch to line up the cylinder fell out. I ended up putting the part that broke from the cylinder in a vice and prying the gear off of it. After I cleaned it up I pushed the new cylinder in and then pushed the pin and yes it came right out. As for the pot metal linkage, I saw a guy on "youtube" that ground his pot metal linkage so he could put it in without taking everything apart. I tried it and yes it did work. Takes time but it was worth that instead of taking the whole thing apart like I did years ago. Just go slow if you do it. I work as a machinist so it wasn't anything I hadn't done before.