Okay, I was here a few weeks ago with the problem of the dash not working when the ignition key is on (truck running), but the dash is fine with key turned to accessory. Someone suggested shooting the lock cylinder with silicone, which I did. The key turns nice now, but the problems remain.

I bought a replacement lock cylinder thinking this would be the easiest fix (replaced a couple of these in other vehicles in the past, few minute job at most). But not now.... My Bronco is a 1986, ignition cylinder on column, no tilt wheel and NO hole to disengage the lock cylinder on the column (absolutely no holes to help disengage the lock on the cylinder itself). The best I can figure is I might have to rent a tool and pull the steering wheel to get access to the lock cylinder (because the lock pin on the replacement cylinder puts it in seemingly easy reach if the steering wheel wasn't there). Has anyone else experienced this? Like I said, the lock cylinders I've replaced in the past were a couple minute job (insert key, turn to "on", disengage lock and pull the cylinder out). I never noticed my Bronco doesn't have any means to disengage this lock, what fun.....

Oh, I checked my Chilton's manual and for my year it says to drop the whole column, but it's written mainly to replace the ignition switch - something I don't think I need to do now, I'd rather start with the lock cylinder.

Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated once more!

 

I would guess the ignition switch before the cylinder if it works in acc but not in run. all the cylinder does is move a rod that runs down the column and moves the ignition switch. it sounds more like the contacts in the switch are weak/bad. one thing you could try before you replace anything is to take the cover off the column just behind the shift lever, this will give you access to the rod. start the truck and then wiggle the rod and see if you get power back to the dash. but back to the first question on an 86 there should be a hole at about 8 O'Clock below the cylinder to disengage it.