Ignition Switch
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From: Kodiak AK
Ignition Switch
OK pissed off now please help. I have a F-150 6cyl with auto trans built on 01/91. My ignition switch is very dificult to move to start. My haynes manual is worthless. I bought a new switch but can't get the old on out. There is no hole to stick a pin in to release it. I can't find any screw to undo to release it from the housing how the heck does it work. Haynes manual describes three different situations but I can't figure out what one is mine.
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I dont know about your truck but mine (1990) had a small hole under the column near the ignition, I used a ice pick to push it in (key has to be in the on position), then I pulled the ignition key cylinder out by my key ring. However, I was having the same problem and it turned out to be the ignition actuator. It had worn down and was binding, which made it hard to turn the key all the way to the start position. There is also some adjustment on the ignition switch (on top of the column under the dash). I would try adjust the switch so that it will engage the starter sooner. It might be your whole problem and much easier to fix than the ignition actuator. Is the key hard to turn back to the accessories position, or even just to the run position?
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From: Kodiak AK
I looked for that hole like I read in other forums. I even have an illustration in my manual that shows it however there isnt one on my column. It is hard to operate to any of the positions. Napa told me someone might have pu the wrong type of grease in it. If only I can figure out how to get it apart to even look at it. The only access i can see is when you put the gear selector in drive there is a round hole about the size of a quarter that opens up but I can't see any screws in it. Looks like there is a rivit in there.
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From: Baltimore
Here's a picture of the release pin for a manual trans. (I know you said you have an auto). Hopefully the release pin is in the same position. Place the ignition cylinder key in Run and use a small drill bit to push the pin in. Then pull the ignition cylinder straight out.
Last edited by F150xlt; Mar 8, 2007 at 03:38 PM.
i ain't rite
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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
your 01 may have the release pin under the shroud behind the steering wheel. i did a 90 F700 a few months ago, and had to pull the wheel to get the shroud off to get to the release.
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From: Kodiak AK
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Ummm, don't know about 90's but in 84 i believe you had to pull the steering wheel to get to the release IF you did not have a tilt wheel. I replaced the cylinder in my 84 but thank God I have a tilt wheel. I don't have my 92 with me right now or I'd take a look at it for ya.
Last edited by ccecilm2; Mar 8, 2007 at 04:32 PM.
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From: Longmont, Colorado
Yours may be like my 91. I beleive you need to pull the steering wheel off, I do not have the little depresser by the hazards either. I need to replace mine as well, I can turn mine over without the key, but I have had some more pressing issues with mine lately.
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From: Greater Austin, Texas
Let's be clear on this point of constant confusion here - the part where you put your key into is called the LOCK CYLINDER. The ignition switch is mounted on top of the column down by the firewall.
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From: Kodiak AK
Ok here it is. The problem is in the winter my key is very stiff to turn and since it is stiff it wont return to the run position after starting. I wanted to take it apart to see if someone used the wrong grease on it and to clean it up. I assumed the cylinder was in need of replacing so I have one with new keys. I can't get it out of the steering column though. Here are pics of the column