release ignition switch
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 11,289
Likes: 6
From: Lakewood, Ohio
i was trying to find a description of how to drill it out.
this is for 92-96 but it should be close to what you need to do:
no pics but this is how to do it:
i posted before how ford manual says to do if key broke off or lost keys to get cylinder out. here it is again:
-disconnect battery ground cable.
-remove steering wheel.
-using channel lock pliers or vise grips, twist lock cylinder cap until it seperates from the lock cylinder.
-using a 3/8" diameter drill, drill down middle of ignition key slot approx. 44mm (1-3/4") until lock cylinder breaks loose from breakaway base of lock cylinder. remove lock cyl. and drill shavings from the lock cylinder housing.
DO NOT DRILL TOO DEEP!
-remove retainer, washer, ignition switch and actuator. thoroughly clean drill shavings and all other foreign materials from casting.
-carefully inspect lock cyl. housing for damage from the above operation. if damage is apparent, housing must be replaced.
install your lock cylinder.
good luck!
__________________
this is for 92-96 but it should be close to what you need to do:
no pics but this is how to do it:
i posted before how ford manual says to do if key broke off or lost keys to get cylinder out. here it is again:
-disconnect battery ground cable.
-remove steering wheel.
-using channel lock pliers or vise grips, twist lock cylinder cap until it seperates from the lock cylinder.
-using a 3/8" diameter drill, drill down middle of ignition key slot approx. 44mm (1-3/4") until lock cylinder breaks loose from breakaway base of lock cylinder. remove lock cyl. and drill shavings from the lock cylinder housing.
DO NOT DRILL TOO DEEP!
-remove retainer, washer, ignition switch and actuator. thoroughly clean drill shavings and all other foreign materials from casting.
-carefully inspect lock cyl. housing for damage from the above operation. if damage is apparent, housing must be replaced.
install your lock cylinder.
good luck!
__________________
Last edited by quicklook2; Nov 6, 2007 at 02:47 PM.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,670
Likes: 13
From: Sand Lake, MI
Did ya try turning it without the key, I've found many fords will start/turn without it once the tumbler is old and worn enough. A screwdriver or "any" key will work sometimes also.
Just swapped the one in the 88 b2's, couldn't turn it with the key in it. Fought with it with the key in for several minutes with no luck. Had to laugh, took out the key and it turned easily as if it had the key in it. Almost left it like that but already had the tumbler out of the other one and ready to go in next to me on the seat.
IF not, force it with a large pair of channel locks.
My plow truck will start with the key, can be a pain now and then sometimes and also starts without the key. Now and then I'll be driving down the road and notice, I didn't put the key in it!
Just swapped the one in the 88 b2's, couldn't turn it with the key in it. Fought with it with the key in for several minutes with no luck. Had to laugh, took out the key and it turned easily as if it had the key in it. Almost left it like that but already had the tumbler out of the other one and ready to go in next to me on the seat.
IF not, force it with a large pair of channel locks.
My plow truck will start with the key, can be a pain now and then sometimes and also starts without the key. Now and then I'll be driving down the road and notice, I didn't put the key in it!
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 841
Likes: 0
From: Orangeville, Ontario
I had to use the actuator rod itself with vice grips shortly before I put my truck away because something broke when it got really cold out. When I went to turn the key it got harder and snap, weee. Would that likely be the cam gear or whatever? What's the process to do this job?
Last edited by TheRoadVirus; Nov 6, 2007 at 03:32 PM.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,670
Likes: 13
From: Sand Lake, MI
"but when i stick small rod in hole to release tumbler i still cant find release pin"
You can't find the release or pushing it in doesn't release it?
The pin is flush with the outer edge of the hole until pushed in to release it. It may, or may not slide out easy once released, For me one did the other a screw driver freed it.
You can't find the release or pushing it in doesn't release it?
The pin is flush with the outer edge of the hole until pushed in to release it. It may, or may not slide out easy once released, For me one did the other a screw driver freed it.
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