Never mind!! I figured it out. Please delete this post.




I have read the other posts concerning the problem with either the key cylinder not returning to the run position or the truck not being able to start because of broken actuator in the column. Here is my "problem". Free truck from my father in law(Yea!). It has been sitting a couple of years.

The problem started with the key not returning to the run position. After a week of this, the key just started spinning and the truck would not start. I pulled the key cylinder and it was broken. I replaced it and now the problem is that when I turn the key there is nothing. The truck does not try to start.

Per the instructions that I found here, I took the column apart. There is nothing that is apparently broken. The rod is connected to the upper actuator and is held in place by a pin. I went ahead and replaced the ignition switch thinking that maybe it was not allowing the key to return to the run position. I also replaced the brass gear in the lock cylinder. However, I am having problems putting the column back together.

Here are my questions:
1. How do I align the lower acuator with the brass gear?

2. How is the lower acuator attach to the upper? It looks like the slot in the lower just rides on a pin of the upper. Nothing holds it together?

3. What is causing my problem with the key not returning to run? The ignition switch has an internal spring. The upper actuator has a spring in the column and the lower actuator has a spring built into a push rod. With just the ignition switch and upper actuator attached, if I manually push the rod to activate the swith, should it return on its own?

Thank You
Mark