key problems
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Senior User
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From: Western NC
key problems
This just started yesterday... I noticed my stereo was on even though the key was not in the ignition. I twisted the ignition to make it go off, but then when trying to start it I couldn't get the key to turn until I played with it for a minute or 2. Today it is similar. Is it time for a new ignition switch?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Wyoming
Yup! LOL! Same issue with the lock cylinder not lining up perfectly to get the key in and turned on. They go out.. I think that is actually an area in all the Fords of these years. I have had the same issue in my Explorer, Expedition and Lincoln.
Whats really disturbing.. shhhh.. once they start getting bad like this, you can use just about any ford key to start it up.. Wierd!
Whats really disturbing.. shhhh.. once they start getting bad like this, you can use just about any ford key to start it up.. Wierd!
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Western NC
I just looked it up on Autozone's website. I see the switch is $12. Is there any tricks or secrets to replacing it? Is it just the lock module that I need or do I need the electrical connection part as well?
Thanks
Thanks
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Wyoming
Yeah, its not very expensive! As for removal, make sure you have the key in the cylinder when you go to take out the old one, and you will have to remove the colum cover to get to the release pin underneath. You wont need a new connector, as its just the cylinder thats cauing you the problems. You may have to turn the cylinder to the acc or on position before it slides out.
The same goes for the install of the new. MAKE SURE to keep the key in it until you are completely finished... I made that mistake once, and had to drill our the new cylinder and messed up a column on one of my older ones. I felt like two feet tall when I messed up that simple one! LOL!
The same goes for the install of the new. MAKE SURE to keep the key in it until you are completely finished... I made that mistake once, and had to drill our the new cylinder and messed up a column on one of my older ones. I felt like two feet tall when I messed up that simple one! LOL!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
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It does sound like MD is right. I think you need the ign switch lock barrel. Easy to fit. Turn the key to "on" and look below the key and you should see a small hole. Push something like a 1/8in drill bit into the hole and that pushes a pin up and you can then withdraw the lock barrel. Then simply push the new one in, the same way as the old one came out.
I wouldn`t think you need the electrical ign switch.
I wouldn`t think you need the electrical ign switch.
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Depending on what year truck you have, you might not have to take the column shroud off. I replaced the lock cylinder in my '94 yesterday, it took about 2 minutes and I did it in the Schucks parking lot. In a truck like mine ('94 with a tilt wheel) there is a hole in the bottom of the steering column shroud that gives you access to the pin. All you do is turn the lock to the on position, and push the pin in with something (I used a T-20 screwdriver) and pull the cylinder out.
Lazy K is right, you need an Ignition Lock Cylinder, not the switch. I bought mine at Schucks for $22.99. I was pissed about having to seperate keys for the truck until I found out that my old key works in the new lock. The keys that came with the lock have only one low spot cut on each side and they happen to match my old key, the extra cuts on the old key do not inerfere and it works just as smoothly as the keys that came with the lock.
Lazy K is right, you need an Ignition Lock Cylinder, not the switch. I bought mine at Schucks for $22.99. I was pissed about having to seperate keys for the truck until I found out that my old key works in the new lock. The keys that came with the lock have only one low spot cut on each side and they happen to match my old key, the extra cuts on the old key do not inerfere and it works just as smoothly as the keys that came with the lock.
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From: Western NC
I'm glad I listened to the board's advise. I bought a new lock yesterday from Autozone, it was only $12. The guy there told me to get a steering wheel puller and pull the wheel off to replace it. The instructions that came with it said the same thing. I ended up using a small allen wrench and pushing through the hole, 30 seconds later I was done. My truck has a seperate door key, so I just threw out the old lock and keys.
Thanks for the tip.
Thanks for the tip.
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JDPoore
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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