My 1990 F-150 with 225,000 mile on the 5-ltr 6-cyl engine has decided not to start. When I turn the switch it does not rebound from start position like it should. Is this the key lock or the actual ignition switch lower on the column? Can I simply wire in a pushbutton switch to temporarily solve the problem, until I can get it to the dealer? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

Yeah, you will probably have to pull the steering wheel and find that the pot-metal ignition actuator is broken.
A real pain to change the actuator. I would recommend taking this one to a pro..

As far as a temp fix, push the rod on top of the column downward towards the floorboard to get the ignition switch to feed the voltage to the starter.


Good Luck!!



FordMasterTech

 

Mr. Master Ford Tech.
On my '91 f-150 with tilt wheel, the tip of the horseshoe shaped actuator rod in the upper section of steering broke off. I have it disassembled and the broken parts removed. I am having difficulty installing the new piece. Looks like my only option is to somehow remove the pivot pins and breaking the cast parts involved. I see the pins have internal threads. Are these for pulling out the pins ? Then how do these go back in ? Any suggestions.

Thanks in advance,
Steve keepitinfirst@earthlink

 

Yes there is a special tool made for removing the pivot pins..
Unless you can find a small screw with the same thread pitch..
Then you can screw them in and take some wire cutters (work good for me) and pry the pins out. This will allow removing the actuator.. then simply replace and tap the pins back in with a small hammer... Good luck and let me know if you need any other assistance..


FordMasterTech