Ignition actuator replacement problems
New User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Ignition actuator replacement problems
I am having some trouble replacing the 'ignition actuator' on my 90 Bronco. I have gotten as far as I can, but I am having trouble removing the cover that surrounds the column. There are pins or screws that are threaded on the inside and I can't find a manual that gets detailed enough. Anyone have experience with this repair? Any feedback is appreciated because I won't put everything back together just to pay someone to take it back apart and I need my truck (!) -Thanks
ps. I'm new to this forum, but it seems like a great place. Hope to keep coming back if it is.:-X12
ps. I'm new to this forum, but it seems like a great place. Hope to keep coming back if it is.:-X12
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
Ignition actuator replacement problems
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 12-Dec-02 AT 10:44 PM (EST)]You need a hardened screw (I use allen-heads, and you should buy a couple just in case...) to put into the 2 pins, and then some pliers to pull them out. I think the thread is 10-32, but I'm not sure. I know it's NOT metric.
Make sure the column is tilted all the way up before you pull the pins, or the tilt spring will shoot you in the face.
Also, pay CLOSE attention to how the ignition switch linkage fits together and exactly what position the gear behind the lock cylinder is in. It's critical to getting it back together so it works.
Make sure the column is tilted all the way up before you pull the pins, or the tilt spring will shoot you in the face.
Also, pay CLOSE attention to how the ignition switch linkage fits together and exactly what position the gear behind the lock cylinder is in. It's critical to getting it back together so it works.
New User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Ignition actuator replacement problems
Thank you for your advice - wasn't sure if it took a special part to remove them or not. I've heard now that these ignition actuators break a lot - am I the only one? - is it from the cold weather?
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 937
Likes: 0
Ignition actuator replacement problems
>Also, pay CLOSE attention to how the ignition switch linkage
>fits together and exactly what position the gear behind the
>lock cylinder is in. It's critical to getting it back
>together so it works.
As in the cam gear which is turned by the key switch? That's odd, mine would only come out and go togther one way. IIRC I left the key switch in place and turned it all the way forward, and that pushed the shroud back at me until the teeth ran out. When I reinstalled it would only go together one way, I dropped the shroud over and turned the key back to "off," thus sucking the shroud back into place. It all lined up perfectly.
>fits together and exactly what position the gear behind the
>lock cylinder is in. It's critical to getting it back
>together so it works.
As in the cam gear which is turned by the key switch? That's odd, mine would only come out and go togther one way. IIRC I left the key switch in place and turned it all the way forward, and that pushed the shroud back at me until the teeth ran out. When I reinstalled it would only go together one way, I dropped the shroud over and turned the key back to "off," thus sucking the shroud back into place. It all lined up perfectly.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
Ignition actuator replacement problems
honney
I've always pulled the lock cylinder before I started - I didn't think it would come apart otherwise...
nitram
Cold weather makes the grease stickier, which puts extra load on those parts. When you reassemble it, make sure everything is nice & clean and moving freely before you put a fresh coat of lithium grease on the moving parts.
I've always pulled the lock cylinder before I started - I didn't think it would come apart otherwise...
nitram
Cold weather makes the grease stickier, which puts extra load on those parts. When you reassemble it, make sure everything is nice & clean and moving freely before you put a fresh coat of lithium grease on the moving parts.
New User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Ignition actuator replacement problems
I'm still having trouble with this - the thread size is not 10-32 and I can't figure out where to find the right size. Anyone know of a spec sheet or manual that has this info? I only have 2 days to fix this before I really need my truck.
Thanks
Trending Topics
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Ignition actuator replacement problems
As far as the size of the screws go I just tried different sizes til I got one to fit and pulled the pins out with vise-grips and force. I haven't gotten as far as the actual replacing of the part itself I'm still trying to find the part number. But as you've seen by my previous post I've been down to the part.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 937
Likes: 0
Ignition actuator replacement problems
>honney
>I've always pulled the lock cylinder before I started - I
>didn't think it would come apart otherwise...
That's what I was told, too LOL. But it didn't work that way, still came apart w/key switch in place, at least on my '90
>I've always pulled the lock cylinder before I started - I
>didn't think it would come apart otherwise...
That's what I was told, too LOL. But it didn't work that way, still came apart w/key switch in place, at least on my '90
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 937
Likes: 0
Ignition actuator replacement problems
> I'm still having trouble with this - the thread size
>is not 10-32 and I can't figure out where to find the right
>size. Anyone know of a spec sheet or manual that has this
>info?
>I only have 2 days to fix this before I really need my
>truck.
>Thanks
There's a special tool for that if all else fails. It's called a steering column tilt pin remover or similar. I think the only place that might have it would be Snap On or something like that....
I'm still having trouble with this - the thread size >is not 10-32 and I can't figure out where to find the right
>size. Anyone know of a spec sheet or manual that has this
>info?
>I only have 2 days to fix this before I really need my
>truck.
>Thanks
There's a special tool for that if all else fails. It's called a steering column tilt pin remover or similar. I think the only place that might have it would be Snap On or something like that....
