Hey guy's.
Can anyone recommend a Ignition switch replacement for my 1991 F 150 (tilt column). It still works, it's just real easy to turn and has some loose motion. I notice at times my heat gauge is reading incorrectly and if I move the switch it corrects it. So I think it's time to replace it.
Do I need just the key and insert or should I get the cylinder also? Any recommend welcome. thanks

 

To be clear on terminology so we know what you are talking about, the thing you put your key into is not the ignition switch. That is the lock cylinder. The switch is down on top of the steering column near the firewall.

You need to remove the switch and see if it operates by hand properly (use a screwdriver). If so, then your problem is in the column itself, most likely the actuator is starting to break. This is a VERY common failure point on these trucks.

 

Oh I see, I think it's the lock cylinder then that's worn. If it is, where's the best place to purchase one. Do I have to remove the steering wheel to get the lock out? thanks

 

OK, I've been thinking about this. What makes the turn of the key have the detent action? Thats what I'm missing. Is it in the cylinder lock or the switch down on the column? thanks.

 

The ignition switch is what makes the "detent action" and spring feel.

No you do not remove the steering wheel to remove the cylinder lock, just turn it to the "ON" position and stick a small punch through the hole in the column. You do not have to remove any screws.
It helps to remove the ground cable from the battery first.

 

Ok, I'll check the switch. thanks

 

If you have no detents, you may find the ignition switch is starting to come apart.

 

so i have the opposite problem... the chrome peice that you are supose to turn the key with i srotating freely and mess's with the alignement with the lock cylinder. what do i need to replace, and someone said that to remove the lock cylinder you need to turn the key to the on possition then use a punch??? i dont understand lol ive never done anything with my ignition and stuff

 

Thedonk,
You need to replace the lock cylinder.
Yes as said above you need to disconnect the battery, turn the key to the run position and insert a punch up through the hole in the column shrowd and into the hole in the cylinder.Then just pull the cylinder out and insert the new cylinder.

Here is a video:

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What's not to understand? You know how to turn the key, right? Now look up at the column from underneath. You'll see a hole in the column cover near where the key goes in. When you turn the key, a pin in the cylinder lines up with that hole. You put a punch into that hole and push, and that pushes the pin, and that in turn allows you to pull the cylinder out of the column.

 

Since the subject is being brought up...., I just bought a 96 and it has aftermarket keys, one for the door and one for the ignition so I am assuming that it is aftermarket. My question is is there anywhere reputable to get a new lock cylinder and door locks other than Ford. Just want good quality and 1 key for both.

 

Nope thats the way was until well not sure of the year they changed to one key for both but having 2 keys was the way back in the day.

 

in 96 they were on the 1 key system. you could remove the ignition lock and hand it to a locksmith to get it re-pinned to match your door key.

 

I was thinking about that, my lock cylinder is black and not sure if its ford or aftermarket. The lock cylinder on the drivers door is about to fall out so I was not sure if it had been changed as well or if the clip on the back is gone. The door locks are black also.

 

If the ignition cylinder is bad, you could just get a complete matched set of door and ignition cylinders. Would probably be cheaper than replacing just the ignition cylinder and re-keying the door cylinders to match.