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I have a 1985 F250 that the ignition switch is intermittent. Starts one time and the next time you turn it nothing happens.I feel this is the problem rather than the starter relay as I hit the steering column a few times and it works. I put one on a Taurus one time but it never had the same feel as the original. Internet says that since it has tilt steering that the steering wheel must be removed and it can be dangerous. I assume that is if it had an air bag.
Is this a good DIY job or should I have it done by a pro?
This is not a difficult job. No airbag. No need to remove the steering wheel, either. The switch itself is located on top of the steering column, part way down towards the firewall. When you turn the key, there's some monkey motion that moves a rod to remotely operate the switch.
Follow this link, and then click the "Ignition Switch" tab for directions:
The trick is to lower the steering column for access. Remove the small piece of dash trim under the steering column, and you will see a bracket secured by two bolts. With this bracket removed, the whole column tilts down to let you reach the switch.
Before you change out the ignition switch, check that the rod , which connects the KEY to the switch, is working as it should.
As you move the KEY , the rod should respond. No died spots , or KEY movement without a matching movement of the rod.
Jim
I must be missing something. I have not lowered the steering column but have looked by eye, hand and mirrors and there is no switch on top of the steering column. The column is smooth and solid from the support to the rubber boot at the firewall unless it is located between the support and the key turn.
Lowering the column gives much easier access to replace the switch.
Also, if you have an auto trans.......there is a very light cable that operates the shift indicator in your dash, connected between the column & the indicator needle. If you miss disconnecting this cable it will be broken by the weight of the column lowering.
I can't remember if there is access to it when the small lower dash piece is removed, or if you have to also remove the main dash panel.
If you have a manual trans there is no indicator, so no issue.
It is not smart not to drop the column. The switch is on TOP of the column mounted with bolts facing UP. If you do not mind laying on your back in the floor, feeling around the top of the column blindly with a wrench, then yes you could do it with the column in place. You also have to get the rod in place and the switch holes are slotted so it has to be properly positioned.
If you do drop the column, I will repeat what the other poster said, take that little plastic tube loose first on top of the column near the base of the cluster on the outside in front of the cluster. It is the PRNDL2L1 indicator. It is very brittle and easy to break.
A purloined view of the column, with the switch at an angle in the middle. You can also see the control rod between the key cylinder and switch. Normally this control rod is hidden by the shroud on the column:
Here is a close-up of the switch and the two nuts securing it. The curved connector to the right is for the turn signals, not the ignition:
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