my igntion lock cylinder is messed. the metal part where you put the key in can spin all the way around if i want it to now. it doesnt spin on its own(not that loose) but it can easily be done. doesnt turn the igntion switch or anything. its just the outer piece. just gets annoying when i try to line it up with the cylinder inside to put the key in (if i bump it) and to get the damn ding to shut off(has to be in specific spot) when i turn off the truck.

so anyways im going to pick up a new cylinder but realized i havent doen this before. ive done the ignition switch on a late 80's blazer but thats not in the column itself, it was above the shaft behind the dash.

I have a manual but havent looked at it yet and i dont even know if i know where its at.

And it makes me kinda scared cuz i have an air bag its a 1994 f150.
i havent even looked at how it comes apart.

Anyone know what i need to do? if it involves removing the air bag cover or whatever im just going to have the shop do it. but if there is a way around that then ill do it myself.

 

It's real simple... there's a small, almost pin hole in the underside of the "port" here the cylinder slides into the column. Use a micro screw driver or a paper clip to push into the hole and this will unlock the cylinder. Slide the old cylinder out, the new one in and... viola!

Typically, you can get a new cylinder and keys for around $15 to $18 at your local auto parts store.

 

Yup, super easy. I believe it has to be in the run position if i remember right.

And takin out the airbag isn't a big deal either. I was like "cool! I'm carryin a bomb!"

Adrianspeeder

 

ok ill give her a shot. ill get back to ya. thanks guys.

 

ok that was a lot easier than i thought. so glad it only cost me 23 dollars. but im not going to like having to have 2 different keys now. (sigh)

 

Hahah. Just like on the pre 92 Broncos. On those, the round key opens the door and does the tailgate glass, with the square key for the ignition. 92+ use the round key only for the tailgate glass, with the square key for the doors and ignition. Funny when driving one for awhile and goin to the other with the wrong key in hand to open the door.

Adrianspeeder

 

yeah just like on my '82 shortbed chevy i had. but thier keys were smaller. i need to figure out a way to distinguish the two. they look to much the same.

 

You could do like I did. Take it back out and take it and the proper key to a locksmith and have them change the lock pattern to match the old key. Only cost $10 or so. Even better if you toke your old lock to.

 

:help I'm new to this site. Skuse me for bargin in.
I was glad to see how easy it was to take out an ignition cyl. That'll get me started. This weekend, my in the column shifter lever broke/got stuck, in park. Any ideas on how to get at this and fix it? I disconnected the linkage at the transmission to move my truck out of the way. Thanks for any help.

 

!!!

 

:help I'm new to this site. Skuse me for bargin in.
I was glad to see how easy it was to take out an ignition cyl. That'll get me started. This weekend, my in the column shifter lever broke/got stuck, in park. Any ideas on how to get at this and fix it? I disconnected the linkage at the transmission to move my truck out of the way. Thanks for any help.

 

Howdy and welcome!

Do your brake lights work?

Adrianspeeder