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1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Key ignition Does Not Work

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Old Sep 22, 2005 | 03:22 PM
  #16  
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I can see the piece that comes off the ignition switch slider, then it curves over the top of the column and is broken off of the mechanism that has the push button on the bottom that allows the key to be removed. It looks like a bear to get inside there... How do I expose all of these parts? HELP SAVE BIG BROWN!
 
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Old Sep 22, 2005 | 03:25 PM
  #17  
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rews2 is right! I had the exact same problem, 87 F250. You can get it a part. It's a pain in the a&*. I doweled the broken piece like rews2 did. It lasted About a year then broke again. I live in the sticks, so after it broke the second time, I just left the cover off the column and start it with vise grips. Some engineer (actually probably the bean counters) at Ford ought to be shot for that design.
 
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Old Sep 22, 2005 | 03:57 PM
  #18  
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OK so does anyone know how to get this apart im down to the switch and i cannot figure how to get the darn turn signal handle out so i can keep taking it apart.I can see the part i need to replace but my book does not say a thing on how to take out turn signal handle and i took out allen bolts and then found out i had a tilt steering wheel.LMAO dang FORD.But i Love it any hints please.
8
 
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Old Sep 22, 2005 | 04:27 PM
  #19  
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Turn signal handle unscrews. Let me know how it goes, I am doing the same repair. What book are you using? I'll go to library tonight. Gary
 
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Old Sep 22, 2005 | 05:15 PM
  #20  
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Hey ok do not forget because i got frustrated,I broke the plastic plate or cover and found it had 3 little screws holding it on.So be careful and feel around if you have small fingers if not just know there are 3 screws fillups and you should not have to take off the Allen Head bolts.Ok let me know how it goes for you And Peps Thanks for All the Advice.
8
 
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Old Sep 22, 2005 | 05:30 PM
  #21  
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I broke mine off too!! Nothing a little black tape can't handle. I thought we had to take the 3 bolts out to remove column shroud.
 
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Old Sep 22, 2005 | 05:41 PM
  #22  
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the first thing you should do is get a service manual.
the second thing you really have to do is TAKE YOUR TIME!!!!!
if you do a simple look at it and plan your steps before diving into it, it is a simple repair. the first one i did took 8 hours, and i took the column out of the truck, cause the book said to. i can now do it in 3 hours intruck. you can get the lock actuator from your ford dealer, it is a stock item and costs around $10.you need to take the wheel, blinker switch, and key cylinder out, and take the tilt assembly apart to do it properly.
the tilt pins are pulled by inserting a screw into the pins, then pull the screw and pins out.
 
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Old Sep 22, 2005 | 05:59 PM
  #23  
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straiteight, I meant to get back on here sooner but I'm at work and got real busy. Did you get to your problem?
 
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Old Sep 23, 2005 | 01:14 PM
  #24  
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Should I be looking for a cheep steering column as an easier replacement? It would only be 2 wire connectors and a few bolts to install right? How much would a tilt column from a 90 f-150 go for at a junk yard? Gary
 
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Old Sep 23, 2005 | 04:24 PM
  #25  
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the only problem with that line of thought is, you have no idea what condition the junkyard column is in till you mount it in the truck.

for the amount of work involved to swap the column, it is about the same as putting a new actuator in, then you know what you have and that it will last for another 10 years.
 
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Old Sep 23, 2005 | 05:30 PM
  #26  
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Guys,
I just finished my truck and it is working fine.It is not so diffucult but it is painstaking,just take your time and it will be easy.It is better than buying anything from a junk yard and if your tilt does not work before you put on the steering column it may be because i found out the steering wheel has to be put on then it will work.Like i said take your time and do not get fustrated as i did and now i have to order a new sleeve for my coloumn,lol.Ok Thanks Again For The Tips and All the Help.
8
 
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Old Sep 26, 2005 | 03:27 PM
  #27  
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I have now replaced my lock cylinder and ignitions switch, only to find out there must be something broken on the actuator rod linkage. The linkage is somewhere under the metal pieces that go around the steering column. One of those metal pieces has the gear selector lever; the other has the key lock cylinder. I don't see any obvious ways to take off those metal pieces. My Haynes manual has no diagram. Can anyone tell me how to get those off so I can get to the linkage and try to fix it?
Thanks.
Right now I am using a screwdriver in the notch for the actuator rod to push the ignition switch forward far enough to start the engine. Then I have to wiggle the metal piece on the steering column into the right place so I can move the lever to put it in gear.
 
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Old Sep 26, 2005 | 06:19 PM
  #28  
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...Welcome coryc, to Ford Truck Enthusiasts!
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Old Sep 26, 2005 | 07:03 PM
  #29  
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My part is in and I'll be doing the job tues. or wed. I have the wheel off and the wires for turn signal. It looks like I have to remove pivot pins from tilt wheel and then pull the outside sleeve off. The part is called a lower accuator and I paid $12 from ford. It goes from the key cylinder gear up over the column to the linkage for ignition switch and also ties into the wheel lock mechanism. Sounds like I will need patience doing this job. Gary
 
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Old Sep 26, 2005 | 08:45 PM
  #30  
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Yes and if and when you get the pins out you do not have to pull the whole tilt off you just slide it back far enough to get the acctuater in and then use a screw driver to get broken piece out that was what i did.
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