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Hello everyone. I would very much appreciate anyone who can help me with how to go about fixing this please. Bought this van from a manufacturing plant. They lost the key for awhile and someone tried drilling out the ignition to be able to move it. Looks like they over drilled a little bit. They eventually found the key so I have it. I had the van towed to my property.
Last edited by Bluesbaloo; May 27, 2021 at 07:28 PM.
You'll need to find another complete steering column, anything from a late 90's F-Series or 1997 to about 2007 E-Series will probably work. I did a complete column swap from a '98 F-Series into my 2000 E-Series because I wanted the tilt feature. Swapping them out isn't physically difficult but you will transfer things like the multi-function switch and a bracket at the end of the column that holds the transmission shift cable in place.
Chances are another column will have the ignition lock cylinder still in place, if no key is present the existing cylinder drilled out and replaced with parts from a trusted eBay seller I've used for a few years now.
There's a little bit more to it than just that but if you have a few tools and some experience its not a horribly difficult job. A pry bar, steering wheel puller, typical sockets etc etc are needed.
If you do this work yourself me or a few others here might be able to help----let us know.
You'll need to find another complete steering column, anything from a late 90's F-Series or 1997 to about 2007 E-Series will probably work. I did a complete column swap from a '98 F-Series into my 2000 E-Series because I wanted the tilt feature...
If you do this work yourself me or a few others here might be able to help----let us know.
JWA, thank you! I do want to try to do this myself. If you can please send me links to where I can buy the part I need from eBay. Also while I am doing it, I will try to get one with a tilt, and also one with cruise control. I saw another thread on how to install cruise control and I saw that certain electronics are required. Any useful links on how to go about the removal of the old and the installation of the new would be much appreciated as well. Thank you!
I'll post a few things here to get you started. The steering column you'll want can probably be found through a local scrap yard, whether DIY or they pull it for you. If your steering column electric parts are working as they should there's no need to find an exact year replacement. You'll be transferring those parts from the existing column to the replacement anyway---the E-Series chassis are very year dependent when it comes to things like the clockspring, air bag. ignition switch and Multi Function Switch so you only need what I call the steering column superstructure. That would affect the cost IF you buy a column with those parts installed----I strongly suggest scouring the self-serve scrap yards or eBay.
This is the seller I've used for door and ignition lock cylinders---they sell the same brand of parts Ford uses OEM: Ignition Lock Cylinder If you're not up for a junk yard expedition where you'd most likely find a lot of compatible steering columns you'll pull yourself for $50 or so--guessing on that price---here's one I'd buy myself if needed. Its advantage is it has a key and lock cylinder making swapping the column a bit more straight forward BUT you'd then have different keys for the doors and ignition. E-Series Steering Column It doesn't have tilt wheel, there's a lot more fitting your van on eBay.
The best advice I'd give is check your local area for a compatible steering column which could come from any 1997 to 2007 E-Series OR a 1997-2003 F-Series---for the parts you need they're compatible. If you're able to begin the work without having the replacement part in hand you'll learn a lot about removing these columns in case you can find a self-serve parts seller. The added benefit there being you'd have the part you need to compare against one you believe would be compatible.
I'll add you to my contacts list and if you're able to send & receive PM's I'll provide my phone number for a bit more in-depth explanation about this process.
Ditto on getting another column. The area of that column necessary for holding the lock cylinder in place has been obliterated. Once you have that squared away, if you're interested in keeping it one key for all, I can help with that.
Thought I would share with all of you good people that I completed this repair and was able to successfully turn my van on- probably for the first time in over two years! Thanks everyone. I got a new steering column with an ignition cylinder and key from a local junkyard and the removal and replacement weren’t too difficult.
Awesome! Since your ignition key doesn't match the doors, I would highly recommend taking a picture of your ignition key. If you ever lost that key, that would make it very easy for a locksmith to make a new one from scratch. It would be very difficult/expensive without.
Awesome! Since your ignition key doesn't match the doors, I would highly recommend taking a picture of your ignition key. If you ever lost that key, that would make it very easy for a locksmith to make a new one from scratch. It would be very difficult/expensive without.
Probably a good idea but not being a locksmith I went a slightly different way buying all four door key cylinders along with the matching ignition key lock cylinder. The seller on eBay also sells the over molding Ford logo key blanks so I had him make me like 8 (eight) extra keys. I keep multiple key rings, every one with at least one key for each of my 3 E-Series vans along with house keys. Additionally I hid one of the magnetic key boxes on the van frame, each one with that van's keys and another house key.
That does require a bit of labor but its well worth it IMHO. New key cylinders all matching, extra keys for about $200 as a kit.
I have a magnet hider and have used it so many times it's almost embarrassing. Considering what I do for a living. Almost every time my routine is interrupted, I'm going to lock my keys in the van. I locked the keys in it the very first night I brought it home.
^^^ Same here to a big degree----its downright embarrassing even if no one else knows we've done it; Due my own negligence I've had to call mobile locksmiths a few times and have since used the magnetic key boxes.
Live and learn, maybe pass some of that wisdom onto others too?
Getting a little off topic here, but I thought this was a good short video on hiding spare keys. An alternative to the magnetic box - a bit more secure.
Getting a little off topic here, but I thought this was a good short video on hiding spare keys. An alternative to the magnetic box - a bit more secure.
Not to be a downer but I've been running several of the better quality magnetic key boxes for a number of years now, when they're placed well they're not prone to fall off. In fact I was rear-ended a few years ago in my '03 E-250, bumper crumpled under and the very rear sections of the frame rails bent. First thing I did was check for the key box---still right where I left it.
I do agree that method might be a bit more secure I'd rather retrieve my extra keys without crawling around on the ground---don't care for mud, snow or other wet areas under my van. Can't really image the girlfriend or wife enjoying having to do that either. Its a bit sad that guy suggests drilling a hole in factory metal and NOT restoring the rust inhibiting aspects.
Just IMHO mind you............but thanks for sharing
Not to be a downer but I've been running several of the better quality magnetic key boxes for a number of years now, when they're placed well they're not prone to fall off. In fact I was rear-ended a few years ago in my '03 E-250, bumper crumpled under and the very rear sections of the frame rails bent. First thing I did was check for the key box---still right where I left it.
I do agree that method might be a bit more secure I'd rather retrieve my extra keys without crawling around on the ground---don't care for mud, snow or other wet areas under my van. Can't really image the girlfriend or wife enjoying having to do that either. Its a bit sad that guy suggests drilling a hole in factory metal and NOT restoring the rust inhibiting aspects.
Just IMHO mind you............but thanks for sharing
All very good points.. and yes I thought the key itself would soon rust left exposed like that. I went to purchase a box, but I noticed most of the reviews on the magnetic key boxes mention they have cheap magnets and are prone to fall off. I'm glad you have a good one that stays put. Can you provide a link to the one you use that is good quality and very secure? - Thanks
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I keep multiple key rings, every one with at least one key for each of my 3 E-Series vans along with house keys. Additionally I hid one of the magnetic key boxes on the van frame, each one with that van's keys and another house key. 
