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Well, this is a peach… after reading threads about the ignition interlock actuator being a known problem and my truck having the correct symptoms, I took apart the steering column to tackle the problem. But wait, mine looked fine! Flipped the ignition housing over and found a much more difficult part to find was broken it seems…
it took 2 different auto parts stores and about an hour just to find the name of this piece… steering column actuator assembly. We still couldn’t find a part number for the 80-86 version.. does anyone know what it is and where to get one? The 87-91 looks identical, but that seems a sketchy order still because a picture isn’t a slam dunk …
This may be frowned upon, but I finally found the piece that broke off… hiding in a crack inside the column. I am going to attempt the JBweld the stupid thing back together.
I am guessing it was faulty casting from the factory, I’m not a foundry expert… but that sure looks like a lot of bubbles and pits in the break… think it is under warranty still 😂
This may be frowned upon, but I finally found the piece that broke off…
Finding the broken piece? Not frowned upon in any manner. In fact, you are to be commended for determining the source of trouble.
Attempting a JB Weld repair? Note I said "attempt". JB Weld is great stuff, but it's not suitable for each and every application. Save yourself a boatload of aggravation and keep looking for the right part. If that later version won't fit, a junkyard or eBay should have you covered.
Finding the broken piece? Not frowned upon in any manner. In fact, you are to be commended for determining the source of trouble.
Attempting a JB Weld repair? Note I said "attempt". JB Weld is great stuff, but it's not suitable for each and every application. Save yourself a boatload of aggravation and keep looking for the right part. If that later version won't fit, a junkyard or eBay should have you covered.
it was the JB weld part that may be frowned upon… lol… and of course it didn’t work! Finally figured out how to get the stupid little rack back in past the lock cylinder gear… and it snapped right off again….
I’d prefer to get just the part, but I may end up having to get a column… hopefully I can get a wood grain cruise control wheel as well since the PO wrecked mine…
I have a new “steering column actuator assembly” on order, hopefully it will be here this weekend 🤞🏻
while I have she column apart, maybe you wise gentleman know this… how much resistance is the ignition interlock supposed to have?
it isn’t seized up, but it doesn’t move freely either… I’m wondering if it should and that is why the other piece my have broken… added resistance pulling the key back. It is clearly supposed to bounce back after you engage the ignition, not sure if it does until I get my part. While I have it apart is there a truck to get it to move better?
Second question… you can clearly see where the PO used pliers to push the rod forward instead of fixing the issue… repeatedly… I don’t know if this was round and straight before and now chewed up and bent… or if this damage doesn’t really effect anything operationally?
I have a new “steering column actuator assembly” on order, hopefully it will be here this weekend 🤞🏻
while I have she column apart, maybe you wise gentleman know this… how much resistance is the ignition interlock supposed to have?
it isn’t seized up, but it doesn’t move freely either… I’m wondering if it should and that is why the other piece my have broken… added resistance pulling the key back. It is clearly supposed to bounce back after you engage the ignition, not sure if it does until I get my part. While I have it apart is there a truck to get it to move better?
One thing that made a big difference to my key operation was taking the switch off the column, cleaning it out thoroughly with electrical contact cleaner, & then lubing it up internally with dielectric grease. Reinstalled & adjusted, the switch/key action was much better.
The spring in the switch is all that provides the return for the whole mechanism, bottom to top.
Maybe I should also open up my column & check it for lubrication......it is stiffer on cold mornings.
To be honest, I don’t know what switch your talking about? As far as I know there is the key cylinder that has a little gear on the end, that rolls the steering column actuator (that’s broken on mine) forward and back, which is connected to the ignition interlock that I think operates that rod that runs down the column to somewhere beyond my visual reach… I assume at the end of the rod is the actual item the initiated the starting sequence with the solenoid?
Yes at the end of that rod is where the IGN switch is.
It is bolted to the top of the column with 2 screws and the rod is bent in a 90* and fits into a slot on the switch.
It might not hurt to get anew switch as over the years the switch get stiff from dirt getting inside it.
I was able to use electrical cleaner & lube to make mine easier to move.
Dave ----
What I usually do is drown that column area with wd40 while I am moving the actuator back and forth. WD40 is not that great of a lubricant, but I have found it does flow down in the mechanism where it works, and loosens up the old Ford grease and sort of rejuvenates it. Very quick and easy fix. I too would also recommend a new electrical switch down on the steering column behind the dash. Taking the column mount loose under the dash and letting the steering down to rest on the seat will give you better access to the switch. The new switch should come with an alignment pin to hold the switch in the correct position while you are putting it all back together.
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