In the current very cold conditions, my ignition lock is very hard to turn (is a newer one, and everything is lubed sufficiently with the proper lube) What I thought about doing, was adding a push button switch,so all I would have to do, is turn key to "on" then hit the button to activate the starter. Is this possible, if so how would I wire it up?

 

It is fairly easy to do the wiring. Run a hot wire from the fender mounted solenoid on the bolt that has the positive battery cable hooked to it, to inside the cab up to your push button switch. Then run a wire from the other connection on the switch back to the fender mounted solenoid and hook it where that slip on wire is connected on the solenoid.

Be sure to get a switch that will only operate when you are pushing it.

I actually have one of these on my '88 F-150. The firewall is so tight I ran the wires in parallel through the passenger side door opening. My switch is located under the dash over by the glove box, the only hole under there I could find. I done all this without butchering any wires, I hate to do that.

 

One thing I forgot to mention under #2. I put an inline fuse in the wire coming off the bolt on the solenoid. I would use atleast a 20 amp fuse, the fuse will still blow if there is a problem and shouldn't blow unnecessarily. I used about 14 quage wire going to and from the switch.

 

Article No
95-23-1

11/20/95

IGNITION SWITCH - KEY HARD TO ROTATE IN COLD
TEMPERATURES - TRUCKS WITH FIXED (NON-TILT)
STEERING COLUMN

LIGHT TRUCK:
1988-91 BRONCO, ECONOLINE, F SUPER DUTY, F-150-350 SERIES

MEDIUM/HEAVY TRUCK:
1988-95 F & B SERIES

This TSB article is being republished in its entirety to include the 1992-95 model years for the F & B Series Medium Trucks.

ISSUE:
The ignition key may be hard to turn in cold temperatures on trucks equipped with fixed (non-tilt) steering columns. This occurs because the column lock actuator may not be properly lubricated.

ACTION:
Lubricate the column lock actuator with silicone lubricant. Refer to the following procedures for service details.

REMOVAL

1.
Disconnect the battery ground cable.
2.
Remove the steering wheel. Refer to the appropriate model year Bronco, Econoline, F-Series Service Manual, Section 13-06 for 1988-90 models and Section 11-04A for 1991 models. Refer to the 1991 F-FT-B 600, 700, 800 Service Manual, Section 13-06 and Section 11-04A for 1992-95 F & B Series vehicles.
3.
Remove the two (2) bolts attaching the steering column support brackets to the pedal support bracket.
4.
Mark the location of the ignition switch and remove it.
5.
Remove the turn signal lever and turn signal switch.
6.
Remove the lock cylinder.
7.
Remove and throw away the snap ring from the upper steering shaft.
8.
Using a light hammer, gently tap the steering shaft until the upper bearing is loose. Remove the upper bearing.
9.
Loosen the upper flange retention nuts until one or two threads remain engaged.
a.Pinch the nuts toward the shaft.
b.Remove the upper flange from the outer tube.
10.
Remove the column lock actuator.
INSTALLATION

1.
Clean the grease from the column lock actuator and upper flange using parts cleaner (F3AZ-19579-SA) or equivalent, Figure 1.
2.
Apply silicone lubricant (COAZ-19553-AA) or equivalent to the column lock actuator and upper flange where the actuator slides.
3.
Install the column lock actuator into the upper flange.
4.
Install the upper flange onto the outer flange.
5.
Install the steering wheel onto the steering shaft and hand tighten the steering wheel nut.
6.
Pull up on the steering wheel until the steering column expands about 10 mm (0.375").
7.
Remove the steering wheel.
8.
Press the upper bearing onto the steering shaft.
9.
Install a new snap ring (DOAZ-3C610-B) on the steering shaft.
10.
Using a small hammer, gently tap the steering shaft until the upper bearing is seated into the upper flange.
11.
Install the lock cylinder.
12.
Install the turn signal switch and turn signal lever.
13.
Install the ignition switch.
14.
Install the two (2) bolts attaching the steering wheel bracket to the pedal bracket.
15.
Install the steering wheel.
16.
Connect the battery ground cable.

 

It's never a good idea to modify your vehicle to accommodate a failing component. It just leads to headaches later down the road and frustration.
Follow Auroras tsb suggestion and repair it correctly.

 

When my clutch switch failed, i just Unplugged my horn and ran a jumper from the connector to the post on the fender solenoid. Turn the key to on, and bump the horn for a second. Works fine for a TEMPORARY fix.

 

The actuator and everything related to it is lubed with the proper lubricant

 

I never said anything was failing,I did say, that things are lubed, with the correct silicone lubricant. Lock cyl is new, actuator was serviced at time lock was replaced.

 

Something is wrong with it. Was it a motorcraft replacement tumbler? What about the actual switch assembly? These trucks have operated for years in Sub-Zero temps without the ignition switch being hard to turn. The coldest mine has ever gotten was 7°f, and the friction change on the tumbler was unnoticeable.

 

You did.
Same here. Starting the truck is the same hot or cold outside