What's my problem?
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 841
Likes: 0
From: Orangeville, Ontario
What's my problem?
A few months ago I went to start my truck (90' F150 302 5 spd) in the cold and the key wouldn't turn and of course I forced it and something broke and now it just spins freely with the key in it. Would this be the key cylinder itself or is there something further into the column thats the issue?
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,587
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach
Does your truck have a tilt column? There is a hinged aluminum rod that actuates (called the actuator?) the ingnition switch on top of the steering column under the dash. I had to take my steering column apart to get to the broken peice and replace it. For the time being, you can put your key in the run position and actuate the rod by hand. Just pull it towards the front of the truck and it should start 
Probably easier to look at a book to see what I'm saying.. ..
Probably easier to look at a book to see what I'm saying.. ..
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 135
Likes: 1
Pull the lock cyl by turning it to the on pos. with the key in. Depress the pin and pull out. You can check to see if it is working properly while its out. It is most often the "ignition acuator cam" as suggested earlier. Do a search "ignition actuator" specific to the early large f150 It is a PITA to do correctly but there is a shortcut. Basically you must pull the steering wheel. Remove the blinker arm. Remove screws holding the blinker assy. Pull the housing over the assy. At this point decide on the shortcut or not. The short cut is to buy the new cam and cut half an inch off the end. The portion cut off is the part that locks your gear selector when the key is in the off pos. You will not be able to replace the actuator cam (without cutting it) unless you do further dis-assembly. I believe it is jas88 above that posted a great step by step the correct way.
