A Sticky Wicket !!
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2006
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A Sticky Wicket !!
Now...Here's the problem...1984 F-150..Auto...When it's cold...like today..I damn near need Channel Locks to turn the key in the ignition...Where do I need to start ?.....This is the red/silver truck that I've had for 20 years. Pics. on Forum when I did the bucket seats/console..Built the matching trailer..and recently when I put a fiberglass cap on it.. Couldn't have done it without you guys !!...Thanks...Jerry....
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From: Virginia
As a quick fix, take the key out and spray down the key hole with wd40 while working the key back and forth. If that doesn't get it all the way, you can change the ignition switch.
1. Pull the short shroud off around the column near the cluster.
2. Take the little white tube off the column that has a piece of string in it.
3. Look under the column near the bottom dash edge, there will be a u-piece that holds the column to the dash. Take that off, the steering column will drop to the seat.
4. Look on top of the column behind the dash, that is the ignition switch. The new one should come with a alignment pin and instructions.
When you are dealing with this, make sure you pull the key back into the run position. If you don't, and it doesn't come back by itself, you will find strange random things not working, like wipers, blower motor, fuel gauge, etc.
1. Pull the short shroud off around the column near the cluster.
2. Take the little white tube off the column that has a piece of string in it.
3. Look under the column near the bottom dash edge, there will be a u-piece that holds the column to the dash. Take that off, the steering column will drop to the seat.
4. Look on top of the column behind the dash, that is the ignition switch. The new one should come with a alignment pin and instructions.
When you are dealing with this, make sure you pull the key back into the run position. If you don't, and it doesn't come back by itself, you will find strange random things not working, like wipers, blower motor, fuel gauge, etc.
Last edited by Franklin2; Jan 20, 2026 at 01:25 PM.
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From: Tolland, CT
FTE Legend
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From: Angier, NC
Is it ever the cylinder?
I always thought it was the switch that gets dirt in it and makes it hard to move and being it is connected with the rod to the cylinder it would be hard to turn and return back to run after start.
Mine was sticky and a little electrical cleaner & lube in the switch and it have been good since.
Dave ----
I always thought it was the switch that gets dirt in it and makes it hard to move and being it is connected with the rod to the cylinder it would be hard to turn and return back to run after start.
Mine was sticky and a little electrical cleaner & lube in the switch and it have been good since.
Dave ----
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From: Virginia
You may still have to wd40 some of the moving parts in the column. The old Ford grease gets hard and sticky. The wd40 liquefies it.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2006
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Thanks guys !..I'm going to replace both. Just got an O'Reiily's coupon for $10..Might as well use it..Later..Be careful with this storm...Jerry..
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Lead Driver
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How about I send you $10 cash instead? Please read this thread all the way to the end. It shows very important details on the quality of house brand parts from any of the discount chains:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ing-noise.html
Given the chance to spend your time and money, I HIGHLY recommend springing for a top quality replacement such as Motorcraft:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...t=4700&jsn=530
[/soapbox mode off]
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ing-noise.html
Given the chance to spend your time and money, I HIGHLY recommend springing for a top quality replacement such as Motorcraft:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...t=4700&jsn=530
[/soapbox mode off]
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From: Tolland, CT
^ what he said, I was thinking about saying something about O'Reiily's... I like NAPA for when parts matter. It may be just my local NAPA, but it's nice to see the same guys working there some 15 years later. I tend to trust them when they tell me what they have had good luck selling.
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From: Angier, NC
O'Reily's sponsors our car club get so we get a discount on parts.
Now dont get me wrong I look up online the part(s) I need so I know what they have in stock or have to order and what their lowest price (cheap) part is and unless I need it now have them order the upper level part.
Had to do that for a water pump I installed on my 02 Durango, went with a Murry with hardware over the store brand no hardware.
It also does not hurt that O'Reily's is within walking distance from the house if I had to walk.
Dave ----
Now dont get me wrong I look up online the part(s) I need so I know what they have in stock or have to order and what their lowest price (cheap) part is and unless I need it now have them order the upper level part.
Had to do that for a water pump I installed on my 02 Durango, went with a Murry with hardware over the store brand no hardware.
It also does not hurt that O'Reily's is within walking distance from the house if I had to walk.
Dave ----
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