I need help bad, my brothers. I have searched this board from top to bottom and no one has discussed this particular problem that I can see. My 1993 F-150 (6cyl) 63K, extended cab, short bed, XLT. A wonderful truck. Not many problems, but this is tough (to me). I came home last week and when I tried to shut off the ignition it spun backward but did not click through any positions to off position. Was broke in the on position. would engage the starter (tho engine was running) but not shut off. I finally had to pull the coil wire and battery cable to shut it down. Got a new key and switch next day (based on archive advice from this board) and installed them. No change. New switch does same thing. I need to know: 1) what is wrong - how to fix; 2) can I do it myself; 3) if not, how expensive - where to take it - ford dealer only?. I have training in auto mechanics (in youth) and have fair to middling skills. Will appreciate any help.... please be specific..... as well, if a book covers it, what book is it? Thanks a ton for your help, in advance. If a mechanic were to work on this, how many hours involved, please?

 

It sounds like the actuator rod is broken ..... The rod connects the key & the actual ignition switch . The actuator rod breaking is a fairly common problem .

 

I had a similar problem with my 91 a few weeks back. Cost me $214 at the Ford dealer.

 

Can you tell me where what/where the actuator rod is.... where i can find information on it and instructions on how to repair myself...... thanks for the help......

 

I had the same problem right after I got my 89 and had to replace the steering column. There is a gear at the back of the tumbler for the keyswitch that was broken in half and the only way to fix it is to replace the column. You may be able to pull the small collar from the back of the column next to the dash and keep a pair of pliers with you so when you need to turn it off, you can use the pliers to grab the push rod and pull it back towards you to turn off your truck. Someone may possibly be able to fix the gear if they know what they are doing inside of the column, but it was just as cheap for me to go to a junkyard and buy a new column and use my old steering wheel and replace the whole thing. Less than $75 in the whole job for mine.

 

The actuator is only $10 or so the rest is labor to disassemble the column.

Do a search on actuator, you should find instructions. You will need a steering wheel puller, a piviot pin puller and small internal snap ring pliers for special tools.


2000 XLT Flare Supercab Sport 5.4-Auto-355LS-Tow pkg-Bedrug-Xtang Tonneau

 

Nitro is correct , Im pretty sure Ive posted the instructions at least once in the last yr .