89f1504wd

so the other day I tried to start my truck and it was so cold the ignition was hard to turn. once it turned I was pushing a lot of force on the key and now it wont come out. I may have broken the cylinder where the key goes in cause it made a noise when it happened. the key is all the way in and ive tried to get it out and its stuck in good. anyway to get the key out or how do I go about replacing the cylinder?




all help is much appreciated.


Zach

tvand13

If you turn the key to on then look at the bottom of the cylinder, there's a little button you can push then pull the cylinder out of the column.

fltdriver

You may have actually damaged the actuator that the ignition uses to start the truck.

89f1504wd

So if I remove the key it won't work anymore? What do I need to replace? The "on position" isn't lined up anymore it is most defiantly broken

fltdriver

You will have to investigate to know further, pull the column cover and you should see the actuator moving when you turn the key, I can't find any pictures right now but I know there are video's on youtube that will at least show you exactly what you are looking for and how to replace. With the cover off you should be able to get the actuator to the off position so you can rescue you key as well.

redneckfordf2502002

Here is the ugly little bugger:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rn...FUmUfgodYr0APA




You only have that one if you have tilt steering. Non-tilt have a completely different one that is less prone to breaking. They aren't fun to replace that is why I have been putting it off on our 90 F150 till it finally goes even though I am pretty sure it is ready to go.
Also why I am glad my 88 f150 doesn't have tilt (unfortunately it is the only one of our 5 brick nose trucks).
Trav

qdeezie

Surprised no one has mentioned the obvious. Get some penetrating oil or silicone spray and put the little red straw on it, squeeze it into the switch and spray above and below the key in little squirts until it is good and saturated. It had been my experience that after it sits overnight or at least for a few hours that the key will release or if the switch is stuck, it will unstick.

I could just have really good luck, though.

fltdriver

If you are going to spray anything in a lock cylinder it should only be powered graphite. Back when I was in high school I worked at the local hardware store and my dept included cutting keys. Always stressed the importance of powdered graphite as other oils and lubricants can actually become sticky if exposed to enough time/heat/dust. This was confirmed by the local locksmith who got his keys in bulk from us.

qdeezie

I'll be completely honest with you, I totally get what you are saying and no argument from me, but right or wrong I use silicone spray on everything and been doing it for years lol. No frozen locks yet.

With regards to the OP's situation, the point I'm trying to make is since the lock cylinder is toast and will need to be replaced, penetrating oil or silicone spray is the best bet to remove the key to facilitate the process.

However, if installing a new key cylinder, I use whatever comes with the cylinder. The most recent key cylinder I installed came with white lithium grease, although I will say that powdered graphite would have been better by judging how the cylinder turns. I might be removing it for that reason.

Leaf_Chaser

I had a bad ignition cylinder and replaced it easily and cheaply. I think it was around $20 at AutoZone. You get a new cylinder with a new set of ignition keys. Here's a quick video on how to replace the cylinder if this helps any: