Ok I have a 93 Explorer... My ignition key is starting to get jammed in the off position so I am trying to replace the ignition lock cylinder before it quits for the last time... (I have the tilt steering column.) I am wondering, do I need to remove the steering wheel to change the lock cylinder? I took the shroud off and the pin I am supposed to be pushing to remove the ignition switch is not exposed. Is there any way I can get around removing my wheel and ripping the collum apart? and if not, how do I disable my air bag?

 

DISARMING THE SYSTEM

Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery.

Disconnect the positive battery cable from the battery.

Wait one minute. This time is required for the back-up power supply in the air bag diagnostic monitor to completely drain. The system is now disarmed.

If you are disarming the system with the intent of testing the system, do not! The SRS is a sensitive, complex system and should only be tested or serviced by a qualified automotive technician. Also, specific tools are needed for SRS testing


To remove lock cylinder:



Disconnect the negative battery cable. Remove the steering wheel.

On vehicles equipped with tilt wheel, remove the tilt lever.

On vehicles equipped with tilt wheel, remove the steering column collar by pressing on the collar from the top and bottom while removing the collar.

Remove the instrument panel trim cover retaining screws. Remove the trim cover.

Remove the 2 screws from the bottom of the steering column shroud. Remove the bottom half of the shroud by pulling the shroud down and toward the rear of the vehicle.



Turn the lock cylinder with the ignition key in it to the ON position. On vehicles equipped with automatic transmission be sure that the selector lever is in the P position.

Push up on the lock cylinder retaining pin with a 1/8 in. (3mm) diameter wire pin or small punch. Pull the lock cylinder from the column housing. Disconnect the lock cylinder wiring plug from the horn brush wiring connector.

They show the pin located underneath the column.

 

I wish it was that easy. LOL That's what the dirrections on the new ignition switch said to do... But there is some sort of metal piece that is over where the pin should be and from the looks of it is part of the actual stearing column... (unless I'm missing something.) It has a star screw on side of it and some kind of linkage conecting farther up on the stearing column...

Oh well, for now I guess I just won't take the key out of the ignition untill I can afford to bring it to a shop.