Actuator rod?
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 86
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Actuator rod?
95 f-150, with air bag.
I just installed new key lock cylinder, and it did not help.
Truck wont turn off. Key just moves freely.
Does anyone know how to replace actuator rod? It is not in tha "Haynes", (that I can see).
Or, do you think it is something else?
Thanks....
I just installed new key lock cylinder, and it did not help.
Truck wont turn off. Key just moves freely.
Does anyone know how to replace actuator rod? It is not in tha "Haynes", (that I can see).
Or, do you think it is something else?
Thanks....
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 38
From: EXTREME southwest CT
No need to apologize sixshootingexp. I'm sorry if I came off as critical, I didn't intend it that way. 
Just that if someone was following your other thread they wouldn't necessarily see this one and be able to offer advice.
Feel around on top of your column and see if you can move the switch to the off position.
Just that if someone was following your other thread they wouldn't necessarily see this one and be able to offer advice.
Feel around on top of your column and see if you can move the switch to the off position.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
Below the ignition lock cylinder is a brass gear, flat bearing and a snap ring.
The brass gear actuates the rod, and has prolly stripped, which is somewhat common.
F3TZ3E717A .. Gear, Steering Column Lock / Fits: 1993/2002 F150/350 & F(Super Duty)
MSRP: $4.88 // FTE sponsor PARTSGUYED.COM price: $3.52.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 38
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Bill,
If the gear was stripped would it work in one direction (on) and fail to retract?
OP states -in the other thread- that starter will engage and return to the run position but turning the key back and removing it will not turn off the engine.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...-cylinder.html
If the gear was stripped would it work in one direction (on) and fail to retract?
OP states -in the other thread- that starter will engage and return to the run position but turning the key back and removing it will not turn off the engine.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...-cylinder.html
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,007
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From: Sterling, Va
It's most likely the rod because they become disconnected/break only allowing you to start but not shut off the truck with the key. i just went through this not 2 months ago. it could be that the gear is striped but it's most likely the rod. only real way of telling it opening it up and seeing.
My .02
Kyle
Haha so ArdWrknTrk beat me too it. maybe i need more coffee to start the day. lol
My .02
Kyle
Haha so ArdWrknTrk beat me too it. maybe i need more coffee to start the day. lol
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Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
During my 35 years as a Ford partsman, I think I sold around two or three of the actuator rods, because the steering columns had been damaged in accidents.
During the same time frame, I prolly sold 1000 + of the brass gears, cuz Ford has used several different versions in cars/trucks since 1968.
If the teeth are stripped off the gear, the rod will not activate the ignition switch. With a stripped gear, you can turn the key a gazillion times, nothing will occur.
There's nothing to the rod, it just fits down inside the column. So unless it has become bent, there's no reason to replace it.
During the same time frame, I prolly sold 1000 + of the brass gears, cuz Ford has used several different versions in cars/trucks since 1968.
If the teeth are stripped off the gear, the rod will not activate the ignition switch. With a stripped gear, you can turn the key a gazillion times, nothing will occur.
There's nothing to the rod, it just fits down inside the column. So unless it has become bent, there's no reason to replace it.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2004
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not so confident anymore
I still dont know if I need to take steering wheel off, or, really, how to examine things properly.
I took the shrouds off to have a look, but it dint help my eyes...
Thanks
I took the shrouds off to have a look, but it dint help my eyes...
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
I just went thru the same thing on my truck about 6 months ago.
It probably is not the actuator rod. In my truck is was the curved piece the connected the actuator rod to the brass gear. I have a tilt wheel. I understand it is common failure point with tilt wheels.
It is easy to pull the steering wheel. Remove the horn button, attach a steering wheel puller, turn the center bolt on the puller.
You can borrow or buy the puller from an auto parts store (<$20 new). The puller attaches to two threaded holes in the steering wheel center. The horn button ground may be connected to one of those holes with a spring clip.
There are several step by step descriptions posted on the web for this procedure, with and without tilt. If you have a tilt wheel, after removing the steering wheel you must loosen the tilt/spring platform slightly but not so far the springs can pop out.
It probably is not the actuator rod. In my truck is was the curved piece the connected the actuator rod to the brass gear. I have a tilt wheel. I understand it is common failure point with tilt wheels.
It is easy to pull the steering wheel. Remove the horn button, attach a steering wheel puller, turn the center bolt on the puller.
You can borrow or buy the puller from an auto parts store (<$20 new). The puller attaches to two threaded holes in the steering wheel center. The horn button ground may be connected to one of those holes with a spring clip.
There are several step by step descriptions posted on the web for this procedure, with and without tilt. If you have a tilt wheel, after removing the steering wheel you must loosen the tilt/spring platform slightly but not so far the springs can pop out.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,007
Likes: 0
From: Sterling, Va
that's what i said that the rod became disconnected i didn't say nothing about the whole rod broke. and also you said that you can start it but not turn it off so that kicks the gears being stripped out the window because if they were you wouldn't be able to do anything but spin it, it wouldn't start the truck.
My experience my .02 just wanna help
Kyle
My experience my .02 just wanna help
Kyle
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,402
Likes: 10
The ign switch is bolted to the steering column under the dash. If you unbolt it you can use the switch manually until you get the actuator fixed.
There was a good step by step proceedure for replacing the actuator (or gear cog if faulty) in your other thread.
There was a good step by step proceedure for replacing the actuator (or gear cog if faulty) in your other thread.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: BURIEN, WA.
Sixshootingexp, The part that is probably broken is called the actuator.
Does your tuck have a tilt steering wheel?
If it does, then you will find that this part is broken.
It is a silver colored pot metal part that is known to break in these vehicles.
I sell fairly regularly here at y2kfordparts.
Check our website for your price.
You will have to disassemble the steering column to find and replace this part.
Dan.
Working for ED at y2kfordparts.
Does your tuck have a tilt steering wheel?
If it does, then you will find that this part is broken.
It is a silver colored pot metal part that is known to break in these vehicles.
I sell fairly regularly here at y2kfordparts.
Check our website for your price.
You will have to disassemble the steering column to find and replace this part.
Dan.
Working for ED at y2kfordparts.