1986 F-150 XLT 4x4 EFI 302

When I turn the key "on" to start the truck, the key won't spring back like it should. Also, with the truck on, I can turn the key back and forth freely a good half inch. With the cold weather the key has become really hard to turn (have to turn it back myself when truck starts).

Questions:

1. Is this enough to get a new lock cylinder and key?

2. Is the lock cylinder spring loaded, or is the spring in the column?

--------------------------
Justin

 

Eh i had this problem with my 80 f-100 i took a can of wd40 (sure any lubercant would work) and sprayed inside of it. it tightened mine up. good luck

 

The rod thats attached to the back of the lock cylinder is dry of lube, or is in a bind along the wiriing near the Electrical Ignition Switch, even sometimes (which is more likely if you haven't mess with the Lock cylinder) the Elec. Ign.SW could be binding with the rod or is worn out. Spraying WD-40 is a no-no inside the lock cylinder (where the key goes into) as it washes out the lube thats in the lock cyl. and will Overtime become worn to the point that the key would no longer turn the cylinder.
First You have to see if the gear in the back holding the rod is free enough to turn and retract as it should, you'll have to remove the lock cylinder completely to find this out by rotating the gear that the rod is attached to, IF it moves freely, then the lock is the next thing to check with the key and cylinder out...if it moves rough or stops anywhere without any effort by the key then it needs to be replaced or rebuilt. Be sure the check the Electrical Ignition Switch near the bottom on top of the column. It has to be easy to move in any direction. It could also had slipped and is in a bind. To ADJUST: Position the Gear in Park and position the Elec.Ign.SW in the middle groove. Check for any adjustments and reassemble.

 

eh i did a quick fix to mine and it is still working good. about 6 months ago i had this prob. i sprayed wd40 in it. and it started to work again. if the truck has been sitting this could be the problem

 

I tried a new cylinder today and it didn't do any good. Going to have to pull it apart and fix it right, I suppose.

The truck also has that little key release lever on the under-side of the column. Don't know if that makes a difference. Also, this is a manual transmission truck, not auto.

 

lol shouldnt make any diff if auto or manual. but good luck with fixing this problem.

 

That's why I mentioned manual transmission. Unless I misunderstood that statement. I figured that a shifter on the column makes a difference in removing parts of the ignition.

-----------------------
Justin

 

New ignition switch was installed. Works smoother, but still doesn't keep the cylinder tight (still has loose, free movement). Just have to wait 'til the weather gets real cold later this week to see if it stiffens up again.

----------------------
Justin