Ignition Lock Cylinder and Return Spring

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Jan 18, 2005 | 04:03 PM

uscrpick

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Joined: Apr 2004

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Ignition Lock Cylinder and Return Spring

I tried to start my 89 Bronco today and the key moved through all the positions on the steering column and the spring return did not work. When the key turns all the circuits work(windows, radio, etc) but the truck did not start. I tried a new lock cylinder and the problem is still there. I looked through my Ford Shop Manuals and could not find anything specifically about the return spring for the lock cylinder. I do not know if the ignition switch has gone out on me or if it is just the return spring(are they together?)? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Jan 18, 2005 | 08:41 PM

Cheggie

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Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 559

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From: South Carolina

It sounds like you've got a worn out actuator rod in the column. There is a toothed arm that is pushed forward by the rotation of the key switch, and when it wears, you lose the "start" position. The return spring that you refer to is part of the electrical ignition switch in the column. The electrical switch is very inexpensive, and worth replacing with the actuator arm. This is a common issue among aging Fords.

Jan 18, 2005 | 09:08 PM

wozxxx86

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Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 439

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ok ive had this same problem..the lil toothed thing he's talkin about is attached to waht broke in my colom, its got a 1/4 circle on it ant it attaces to the rod that hes also talkin about, it'll cost u about 9-10$ from a ford dealer, which is the only place to get one. and they break all the time so they should have one right there. but my start worked one min and the next time i went to leave, it didnt. so if thats what happend then thats probly the problem., id suggest gettin a haynes manuel befor u attempt this fix, altho it is fairly easy.