1990 F250 Ignition Lock
 

I'm trying to get an old rig back on the road. It's been sitting about 4 months.

I find the key is VERY hard to turn. It has a tilt steering wheel, but the position makes no difference. The front wheel position makes no difference. It's always hard to turn. It reaches a rotation point where it lights the glow-plug light, but no farther.

It was about 30 degrees when I had the problem; it rotated freely a month or so back at 50 degrees.

All my Fords have/had that problem.

Remove the steering wheel, clean and grease the lock mechanism.

Thanx for the tip. I'll try that.

If you remove the top plastic cover on the column between the steering wheel and the dash, you will find an item called an ignition switch activator made of aluminum. They will break.

If you can just lift the cover you may see it, in a pinch you can turn the key on and useing a screwdriver to push the activator start the vehicle.

Other than that ...... key on jumper the starter relay on the fender.

Note: Do it in park or nuetral depending on the trans.

>... key on jumper the starter relay on the fender

That brings up an interesting question ...

how to you STOP the engine once you get it running (if the controls aren't working)? Are the brakes in 4th enough to stop a 7l diesel?

You have to have your key in the ON position to jump to the fender....

Then to kill it, simple turn key off.

And yes brakes in 4th will kill it no problem.