i tried to start my truck this morning and the ignition would not turn. it is a 1990 xlt lariat 5 speed 5.0L. the key is in all the way and it just will not turn. prior to this it had resistance and didnt turn very easily but i was going to deal with it for the mean time. the key release button seems to be where it needs to so im not really sure why it wouldnt turn

 

Go read what steve just posted on my thread last night, not 100% but it might help you out or get you started.

 

Have you tried wiggling the steering wheel back and forth?

 

Are you sure it's the right key? (Yes, I've seen that happen before.) As glc suggested, if the steering wheel is hard against the lock, the key can't pull the lock out. So look at the front tires & try turning the wheel TOWARD the obstruction to take the load off the lock, then turn the key while holding the wheel.

 

Broken actuator? That could block the cylinder's movement. (If it is, and you want to fix it yourself, god help you... toughest $10 part install EVER)

 

If it is a tilt wheel, it is definitely a broken actuator! Have to disassemble the tilt mechanism to replace. If you are unsure if it has a tilt wheel, push the turn signal lever towards the dash. These trucks didn't have a separate lever for tilt. They used the turn signal lever.

 

thanks it is tilt wheel so it is probably the actuator. and yes ive tried turning the steering wheel. sometimes the ignition will turn and sometimes it will not. but as of right now i can get it to break free everytime, but not without tearing up my hands. so i will most likely replace the actuator to start with. thank you for the help