Has anyone run into trouble trying to replace the lock cylinder with an aftermarket unit?


My son has a 1992 f150 that has a worn out lock cylinder - no key required to start (unless wheel is locked) and the key can be pulled out in any position.
So I picked up a lock cylinder at the parts store and planned a 15 minute change out ( I have done this on many vehicles over the years)


the existing lock cylinder came right out but I could not get the new one to seat all the way down into the lock housing! it would stop with 1/8 inch or so remaining to go and would not go any further!


I measured it against the old one - forced as much as I dare and even got out the dremel and worked on the new lock cylinder with a grinder to clearance it some. Still no go!!


I then went back and bought another lock cylinder and - SAME RESULT


ended up sending him off to college with the old lock cylinder and admonition to make sure you lock the truck!




Anyone have this problem? or know what I may have done wrong?

 

they only go in one way. and unless you have everything lined up perfectly, the cylinder will not go in. sometimes you have to play with it to get it in.
wiggle it back and forth and it will usually pop in.

 

Thanks Tom


yes that has been my experience also, but not with this column


darn things would not go in no matter how sweet or mean I was to them. destroyed the first one and returned the next one and put the old one back in.


The oem unit popped in and out no problem - crazy

 

I put a aftermarket one in my 92, went right in.
Where did you buy the part from?

 

They both came from Oreilly auto parts
First one was the lower cost Chinese part
Second one was the higher cost standard ignition part ( probably Chinese or Taiwan also LOL )