Anyone ever change their key/ignition in the steering column?

85_SS_302_Coupe

it sucks (I know) to be on the receiving end

15 Year Member

Nov 11, 2003

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Northern KY

Dec 12, 2006

#1

• Dec 12, 2006

• #1

Mine is going bad....i'll be driving down the street and the car will just die, and i've traced this to the key itself. If i put a slight amount of pressure forward on the key it doesn't die, and when i start the car if i don't do the same it dies right after it fires up. I can be going down the road and slightly push back on the key....not far enough to go into the off position, we're talking not even a 1/16 of an inch back, it dies. So i'm guessing either a wire is loose or the whole thing is toast.


How complicated is it to change? I'm sure it's no huge deal, i've just never had to change one. Also does anyone know for sure if Ford even sells these anymore? How much if so?

 

85ragtop

BTW, I like dudes.

10 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

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NC

Dec 12, 2006

#2

• Dec 12, 2006

• #2

Just changing the key lock cylinder is no big deal. I got mine from AutoZone.

 

85_SS_302_Coupe

it sucks (I know) to be on the receiving end

15 Year Member

Nov 11, 2003

6,945

1,598

223

Northern KY

Dec 12, 2006

#3

• Dec 12, 2006

• #3

Any chance it could be something other than the cylinder? I've never even had one apart so i'm unsure what to expect...any chance this could just be a loose wire in the cylinder?

 

85ragtop

BTW, I like dudes.

10 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

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NC

Dec 12, 2006

#4

• Dec 12, 2006

• #4

In my T-Bird it started smoking one day. So I took a trip to AutoZone got a book and it told me how to do it. Mine got too the point that it would not turn. There is the ignition switch under there. That thing is pain to change. But yours sounds like the key lock.

 

7-UP BILL

Founding Member

Jan 4, 2001

885

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49

My other car is a Firetruck

Dec 13, 2006

#5

• Dec 13, 2006

• #5

Back in the early 90's, there was a recall on these switches. Take your VIN to a Ford dealer and ask him to access the OASIS system to see if it was done. If not, pitch a bitch.

 

Black1987Stang

Active Member

Aug 22, 2004

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Jersey Shore

Dec 13, 2006

#6

• Dec 13, 2006

• #6

the ignition key cylinder is cake to change, just gotta take off the plastic shroud, put in the key and turn it, push the little round button on the bottom with a little screwdriver or something and comes right out, although I dont see how just that might affect the actual ignition circuit, thats just a lock n turns the actual ignition device in the column, theres no wire connection (one single purple wire but thats for the dinger noise thing i think).......Someone correct me if im wrong, just my 2 cents

 

Graydon5oh

Member

Nov 23, 2002

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ARKANSAS

Dec 13, 2006

#7

• Dec 13, 2006

• #7

it isnt ur key cylinder farther down on the column there is a switch ur key cylinder sends a rod down to it. it unbolts with 2 bolts i had to use channel locks to get them off. its about 13 dollars at the parts store. i had it fo bad about 2 months ago doing the same thing ur saying.

 

rickd93_lx

New Member

Dec 22, 2005

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Dec 13, 2006

#8

• Dec 13, 2006

• #8

ive chaneged mine with out removing the collumn cover just get a small pick find the hole and there you go push button turn key pull out and put in the new....cake

 

Graydon5oh

Member

Nov 23, 2002

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ARKANSAS

Dec 13, 2006

#9

• Dec 13, 2006

• #9

im telling u go with the part i told u about it would be a much wiser choice if u ask me iv had the problem before

 

dbdragracing

Member

Dec 1, 2004

397

2

18

Dec 13, 2006

#10

• Dec 13, 2006

• #10

I just fixed mine a couple of months ago....I would have to hold the key to drive the car. I replaced the ignition switch(to fix my turn signals) and key cylinder (to keep the car from dying). The whole process took about 30min and cost $24!

 

795.0pacecar

lover of pudgy polygamists

Jul 11, 2003

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Senoia, GA

Dec 13, 2006

#11

• Dec 13, 2006

• #11

droptopfpm said:

it isnt ur key cylinder farther down on the column there is a switch ur key cylinder sends a rod down to it. it unbolts with 2 bolts i had to use channel locks to get them off. its about 13 dollars at the parts store. i had it fo bad about 2 months ago doing the same thing ur saying.

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ding ding ding

There is no switch in the key lock cylinder, it is the ignition switch that is going bad. It is easy to replace and most auto parts places keep them in stock.

 

8

89lxcoupe

Founding Member

Oct 6, 2001

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harlan,ky

Dec 13, 2006

#12

• Dec 13, 2006

• #12

can you get the key lock cylinder out without the key i bought a car and i don't have the keys !