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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

release ignition switch

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Old Feb 2, 2007 | 11:54 AM
  #1  
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Post release key ignition switch

remove ignition switch 1988 f150 - whats the trick?
i have a car book for 88 but its different method. i know its easy if you know how. i have the wheel off to access.
this is a manuel tranny and the key will move the lock to on. where is release pin? Thanks
 

Last edited by jerryh20; Feb 2, 2007 at 12:08 PM. Reason: more info
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Old Feb 2, 2007 | 12:06 PM
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under the key cylinder, behind the emergency flasher switch, there is a hole. insert a 1/8 drill bit or pin, and push up while turning the key. youwill feel the pin pop, then you can pull the key cylinder out.
 
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Old Feb 2, 2007 | 12:10 PM
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switch reply

thanks i will try that.
 
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Old Feb 2, 2007 | 12:45 PM
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Unhappy release

ok so i'am slow. this hole, is it behind the flasher switch looking at the top with the wheel off? the only hole on the outside is under the flasher itself and no luck finding a spring to release. thanks for your time. the flsher is to the left of the key not under it.
 

Last edited by jerryh20; Feb 2, 2007 at 12:49 PM. Reason: more info
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Old Feb 2, 2007 | 01:06 PM
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Just look up underneath the steering column near where the lock cylinder is and close to the pull **** for the emergency flasher. There is a recessed area with a silver pin up inside of it. Turn the key to "on", press the pin in, and then pull the lock cylinder straight out.
 
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Old Feb 2, 2007 | 01:26 PM
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disconnect the battery first.

find button per other posts.

put steering wheel back on, it did not need to come off.
 
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Old Feb 2, 2007 | 02:29 PM
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Thumbs up completed replacement

thanks again
 
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Old Feb 24, 2007 | 10:18 AM
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Just today (Feb. 24, 2007) I replaced my ignition cylinder on my 1995 Ford F250.

This is a simple operation:
- disconnect negative battery terminal
-push in small button on ignition cylinder w/ 1/8 drill bit (dull end) on my truck it is on the bottom of the cover.
-pull out ignition cylinder assembly




Just a tip:

When you are ready to do this make sure you steering wheel is not under much pressure in the lock position, otherwise the cylinder will not pull out.
 
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Old Jul 28, 2007 | 02:16 PM
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Originally Posted by 95250mac
Just today (Feb. 24, 2007) I replaced my ignition cylinder on my 1995 Ford F250.

This is a simple operation:
- disconnect negative battery terminal
-push in small button on ignition cylinder w/ 1/8 drill bit (dull end) on my truck it is on the bottom of the cover.
-pull out ignition cylinder assembly




Just a tip:

When you are ready to do this make sure you steering wheel is not under much pressure in the lock position, otherwise the cylinder will not pull out.
These steps worked flawlessly in my 1995 F150, non-tilt, air-bag equipped truck. I did remove 3 small screws in the bottom of the steering cover so i could get to the release pin. Took about 15 minutes disconnect to reconnect.

KEEP your old keys, without them you cannot open your doors.
 
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Old Jul 28, 2007 | 03:42 PM
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KEEP your old keys, without them you cannot open your doors.
Then take both the old & new key and have new key's cut. Have the new ign key cut 1st and have them grind a notch in the end where it sticks out of the lock.

Then turn the cut key over and mount the old door key and cut that on the other side of the blank.

You will be back to one key, but you will be able to feel the notch to know it goes up in the ign switch.
 
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Old Jul 28, 2007 | 03:55 PM
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that would drive me crazy.

i had locksmith match the ignition to my door key so i only need one key, like intended, on my 1994 f150.
 
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Old Jul 28, 2007 | 04:10 PM
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You could do that. What did it cost? The key deal I spoke of was $3.00 for 2 key's at a locksmith.

I feel the notch as 2nd nature in my pocket before I even pull it out. The only problem may be if someone else drives your truck and you don't tell them about the notch.
 
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Old Jul 28, 2007 | 04:19 PM
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$5 and he gave me two keys also.

i am not saying yours would not work, it just would not be my first choice.
 
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Old Jul 28, 2007 | 04:32 PM
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For $5 I'd go that route too. I would have throught it would have been much more expensive.
 
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Old Jul 28, 2007 | 11:29 PM
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Originally Posted by warthog5
Then take both the old & new key and have new key's cut. Have the new ign key cut 1st and have them grind a notch in the end where it sticks out of the lock.

Then turn the cut key over and mount the old door key and cut that on the other side of the blank.

You will be back to one key, but you will be able to feel the notch to know it goes up in the ign switch.
What a good idea! I'm heading the truevalue store tomorrow and have one made.
 
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