Ignition Switch Activation Rod

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Jan 3, 2005 | 05:05 PM

chadincolo

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Ignition Switch Activation Rod

I am having a problem with my 86 F250. When I turn the key on, the activation rod moves down, but when I turn the key off, the rod doesn't move. The mechanism in under the key cylinder is moving forward and back, but that motion isn't going to the activation rod. Anybody have any ideas? Any diagrams of the whole mechanism so I can see how to take it apart? I hate to just start pulling apart the whole top of the steering column if I don't have to. Thanks for any help.

Chad

Jan 3, 2005 | 05:52 PM

locknkey

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From: Right Next to U

The Activation Rod is connected to the electrical ignition switch under the dash area on top of the column, its held on by two screws (1/4 or 5/16in) The rod is not adjustable, but the switch is...it moves forward and backwards and must be adjusted while its in the park position. If you remove the electrical ignition switch, the rod only slips into a groove and moves the electrical contacts for your engine to run and it also provides the spring action for the return movement after the "key" is in the start position, thus to be in the right position to be in the run position, this point is where the adjustment is important. You can see the rod clearly after the switch is removed if its not moving when the key is turned , then the gear inside the column that the Key switch is attached to is either stripped or is broken. You do have to have the key in the run position (battery disconnected) for the key switch to be removed and for you to inspect the gear in the key switch hole...good luck.

Jan 4, 2005 | 09:03 AM

chadincolo

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Not the problem.

I understand how the ignition switch is activated. The activator rod is not moving with the "key". The rack and pinion mechanism actuated by the key lock cylinder is moving correctly, but the activation rod is not connected to that mechanism. I can start the pickup by grabbing the activation rod and moving it, but when I turn the key, the rod doesn't move. There's something not connected or broken in the head of the column, where the rack connects to the rod. That's what I need a diagram of or help disassembling.

Jan 4, 2005 | 11:36 PM

locknkey

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From: Right Next to U

The rack and pinion gear has the rod connected to it, so if all is there and you can move the rod at the rack and pinion gear, then the part thats on the back of the ignition is broken off, as its what moves the rack& pinion gear assy. Look on the backside of the ignition to see where the engaged part is missing, replacing the ignition is your next option. If you're doors are also keyed to the ignition, have your local locksmith key the new ignition to your key...or stick another ignition in it. It has to be in the run position for the ignition to be inserted and then turn to off to lock it in.

Jan 5, 2005 | 09:02 AM

chadincolo

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Do you know how the rod connects to the rack? I have narrowed it down to that. The rack and pinion moves, it will push the rod, but won't pull the rod.

Jan 5, 2005 | 01:32 PM

RJB1

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From: Colorado

There is a small piece in the column that is a high faailure item. Go to the dealership and look at their micro-fiche. The parts guy, if he 's been there awhile, will go right to it. If I recall the part is less than $5.00

Jan 6, 2005 | 02:49 PM

chadincolo

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Thanks RJB1, I think that is probably it, went to the Ford dealer, sure enough, said it does fail quite often.

Next question, how to disassemble? I have the exploded views from Ford, but need to figure out how to get the piece out. Any suggestions? Thanks.