No key required!
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New User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 19
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From: Ithaca, NY
No key required!
Guys,
Just realized that you don't need a key to start my new, old, 1990 F150. You just have to turn the chrome slot where the key goes into the steering column. Not sure why the PO gave me the extra set of keys because I don't need them, except maybe to lock the doors. Any ideas about restoring this locking mechanism?
Thanks,
Randy
Just realized that you don't need a key to start my new, old, 1990 F150. You just have to turn the chrome slot where the key goes into the steering column. Not sure why the PO gave me the extra set of keys because I don't need them, except maybe to lock the doors. Any ideas about restoring this locking mechanism?
Thanks,
Randy
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 322
Likes: 1
From: St. Petersburg, FL
It should be pretty easy to replace the lock assembly. I think you have to turn it to run and insert a pin or thin screw driver through the plastic clam shell from the bottom up. There is a special hole that leads to a pin that holds the ignition tumbler in and it should release the lock assembly to let it pull out. It has to be in the run position or just before. I know that it can't be in the lock position or anyone could take the truck. I know it's this way on a 92-96 but i'm not sure on a 90. I don't think that it would be too different. Anyways I don't think that it's too expensive but then you end with seperate keys for the doors and ignition. You could take both keys to a locksmith though and they could cut you a universal key. Only the front 5 cuts operate the ignition and the rear 5 operate the locks or vice versa. I would check with the locksmith to be sure. I had to go through this when I bought my truck because the ignition was tore out and I had to get a whole new steering column and the locksmith was involved a little bit. 
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Worth, Texas
join the club on this! My 95 is the same way! Recently, a child started his grandmother's truck, and if I remember; drive the truck into a swimming pool! I'll eventually fix mine when I get the money, and fix other issues.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 484
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From: Leitchfield, ky
Well, I think I got you guys beat. My 88 was a recovered stolen truck when I got it. They busted the ignition out with a dent puller I think. Then they busted the cover off of the top of the steering column and used vice grips to push the rod forward to start it..... which is now how I have to do it. There was not enough of that part of the column for a new ignition cylinder to go in.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 322
Likes: 1
From: St. Petersburg, FL
That's close to what I had except he popped it out or beat it out with a crowbar because him and his girlfriend were fighting at a party and she wouldn't give him his keys. He told me the story when I was buying the truck. I still had a plastic slider with teeth cut in it that I could move with a screw driver but I hated it. I had to get a new column at a pick and pull. It was easy to change but I had to get it re-keyed before I put it in. Also the lock cylinder on the replacement was damaged and the locksmith had to get it out without a key so I had to get a whole new lock assembly. After that, it's been smooth sailing!
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