Ignition Switch?
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New User
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Bothell, Washington
Ignition Switch?
When starting my '88 F-250 this morning, key hard to turn, then feels like something snapped. Now won't start, gear selector won't move. Removed steering wheel, and ignition switch, can get it to start with the start rod, but can't change gears. Any ideas what it needs? New ignition switch or more? Can you tell me how to get it to change gears so I can get it to the shop?
Thanks, Paul Riley
forever4rd@aol.com
Thanks, Paul Riley
forever4rd@aol.com
Elder User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 623
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From: Mississauga,Ont.,Canada
If you can start the truck manually with the rod I would say the ignition switch is ok. Sounds like the problem is deeper in the column. Maybe the part that broke dropped into the area where the shift has detents for each gear and is jamming up the works. You could disconnect linkage at tranny and put into drive but the whole thing is risky and you could cause more problems than having it towed in. These columns have some pot metal parts that do break. It is not tough to take them apart but you need time and patience.From other posts I have seen the labour 3-4 hours but the parts are not to expensive.
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New User
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Bothell, Washington
Ignition switch or shift detent?
Thanks Missisauga. Agreed, it sounds pretty risky to disconnect the linkage, and the problem is deeper in the column. The key will turn the lock cylinder, but will not start the truck. After removing the key cylinder, still can't get the shift lever to move, it appears it must be deeper in the column. Looks to be some socket head bolts holding it in from the back, next try is to get them out. If no luck there, suppose I'll have it towed to the shop. Thanks for the advice.
Paul
Paul
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 623
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From: Mississauga,Ont.,Canada
I have taken the column apart to make repairs. Believe it or not I found it was easier to remove the whole thing from the truck and take it apart on the bench, when doing that sort of work. If the column has tilt it is a little more work. If you seach this site there has been a few good posts on guys taking this column apart. I did mine several years ago and the details are are vague in my mind as to how i did it. But I do remember it wasnt all that tough.I know it came apart without any special tools. Generally it is the lower actuator that is causing the problem, available at ford dealers for around $20.00. The fact you cannot change gears is something that I have not experienced. The problem could be in the linkage on the exterior of the column and it is a coincidence that it failed at the at the same time which I doubt though. Keep us posted if you decide to give it a try.It will probably take a better part of a day the first time .
Last edited by mississauga; Nov 19, 2006 at 07:37 AM.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
part of the lower actuator is a plunger that keeps the shifter from working if the ignition is in the off, lock, or acc positions.
when the actuator breaks, sometimes the plunger will stay in the lock position.
to change the actuator, you will need to pull the steering wheel, blinker switch, tilt pins, key cylinder, and a few other parts. it is not that hard to do in actuality, but it requires ALOT of patience.
its been a few years since i did one also, so i can't walk you through it off the top of my head.
when the actuator breaks, sometimes the plunger will stay in the lock position.
to change the actuator, you will need to pull the steering wheel, blinker switch, tilt pins, key cylinder, and a few other parts. it is not that hard to do in actuality, but it requires ALOT of patience.
its been a few years since i did one also, so i can't walk you through it off the top of my head.
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From: Bothell, Washington
Ignition Switch?
Thanks TJC. Do you know anywhere on line to get a schematic or a photograph of the column? There's a pin in the top of the column that looks like it may be broken cast metal, right behind the starter rod, but I don't know what it's supposed to look like. If not, I'll start looking for a factory service manual.
Thanks, Paul
Thanks, Paul
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,440
Likes: 5,514
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
yup, that is the part you need. you can get it from the ford dealer for around $14. the factory service manual has good detailed instructions on how to do it.
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