key cylinder, no spring return

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Dec 28, 2000 | 12:03 PM

tmcalavy

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key cylinder, no spring return

The ignition key cylinder on my 90 F150 SC has little or no spring return...gets really worse when truck is cold. Read a post in the archive on this that said the spring return mechanism for the key cylinder is in the top of the lower part of the column??? I tried a new key cylinder...no different. Then doused the original cylinder liberally with WD 40 and its a little better, but still not reliable. Don't want to screw up my starter with a sticky switch. Can anyone explain how to find, get to, lube or replace the mechanism that provides spring return for the key cylinder. Many thanks in advance.

Dec 28, 2000 | 04:23 PM

deleontow

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From: Banning CA

key cylinder, no spring return

First off you need to find out if it is the switch or the mechinism, remove the electrical part of the switch and turn the key back and forth, see if it is easy, if not then the problem is the linkage going down, if it is easy, then the problem is the ignition switch.

Dave

http://a2ztowing.homestead.com/a2ztowing.html

Dec 28, 2000 | 05:24 PM

tmcalavy

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key cylinder, no spring return

Thanks delontow. So if I'm understanding you right, I need to pull the ignition switch (not the key cylinder) and check to see if the mechanism is easy or stiff. My truck has the tilt column with two plastic dash pieces that extend under the column; E4OD switch on right and lights, wiper switches on left. Can I get to the ignition switch simply by going through the fuse panel cover, or do I have to take these dash pieces off, too? My chiltons and haynes don't have good diagrams, explanations for my truck. If the mechanism is the culprit, can it be lubed or does it have to be replaced...and what parts, expense, time & difficulty are involved in that? Is there one part in the mechanism that provides the "spring" for spring return to the key cylinder? Thanks again.

Dec 28, 2000 | 06:07 PM

deleontow

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From: Banning CA

key cylinder, no spring return

Yes you need to remove the ignition switch and to do so, you may have to lower the colum. Remove the cover for the fuse panel and remove the 2 bolts that hold the colum up under the dash, after you lower the colum, it will be easy to remove the switch, though you may check with ford first, as I believe that the 88 thru 91 F series are on recall for the ignition switch. Once you determine the switch is ok then you will need to lube the lever going down to the switch, you can tilt your colum all the way down, holding it down, past the lock and spray some white lithium spray where the lever goes down, you may also have to disasemble the tilt to be able to properly lube the moving parts, If you need to I can print out the disasembled view and email it to you. Have not been able to figure out how to attach it to this board.

Let me know.

Dave

http://a2ztowing.homestead.com/a2ztowing.html

Dec 29, 2000 | 01:43 AM

PAUL_2

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key cylinder, no spring return

Dave , FTE has a new file upload program , If you have a diagram etc , up to 75K , you can scan it , save it , & link it to your post . Check the Site Announcement section for details . When you reply to a post , you will see a link to the file upload at the top of the page .

Dec 29, 2000 | 02:26 PM

tmcalavy

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key cylinder, no spring return

Thanks for the help guys. It was the ignition switch. The actuator rod was a little sticky, but some WD40 took care of that. Replacement switch and a replacement can of WD40 was under $15 (No, I didn't use an entire can...just needed some more). Now it really springs back like it should. One tip on dropping the column, my truck has a little white plastic retaining cable that drops from out of the upper dash and goes under and around the column. Once I got that disconnected on the left side of the column, the column dropped nicely and access to the switch, etc. was smooth sailing. Another tip, before you remove the switch...mark the column around the edges of the old switch so you'll know exactly where to place the new one after you hook up the actuator rod. I forgot to do this and had to experiment with switch placement a little to get lock, AC, run and start with the key cylinder. Happy Fording!