walter34payton2002

1985 f150 302 FI 2wd

Hey guys. I need to know how to remove an ignition cylinder without the key. There must be a way.

I'm selling this truck and the stupidly designed thing that actuates the rod that actuates the switch is broken. So I pulled an entire column without a key cause I couldn't find the part I needed at the yard. I can't sell this until I figure this out!!!!!

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

Take the column to a locksmith.

Austin97

Or.. If you have a slide hammer with the screw thread ends you can screw it into the key slot and hammer it out. It's not pretty and takes a lot of beating, but it does get it out. Obviously the ignition cylinder needs to be replaced after. I've had to do it on Focus's and Escapes a few times at work, their ignition cylinders used to lock up and you wouldn't be able to get them to turn so we'd get them out that way, since we were replacing the cylinder anyway.

And it's not just the removable part that has to be replaced, the whole piece that goes on the column has to be replaced. This may not be a viable option for you, It's just a possibility.

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

This isn't a Focus or Escape. It was built back when stuff was strong. You'll destroy the new column.

90F150XLTBilly

hammer a screwdriver into it. once you get it far enough in there, you can turn it to the run position. then you can take it out and replace it just like if u had the key.

Austin97

I'd bet that cylinder would rip right out of there. And it does destroy the part of the ignition cylinder that the removable part goes in. You have to get a new/junkyard one of those with this method. Like I said, it might not be what you want to do at all, if a locksmith can do it for $100 you'd probably save money rather that breaking stuff and replacing it.

I probably should have considered the fact that it's old and the new cylinder probably isn't very readily available like I'm used to though. Probably best to just ignore me altogether.

90F150XLTBilly

autozone has em for 10.99 i did the screwdriver thing to mine when my buddy decided to get trashed and throw my keys across the yard. couldnt find em. so i hammered a screwdriver in it and pulled it out. bought a new one the next day. good as new. didnt hurt anything.

Austin97

Yeah, my way usually screws up the whole piece attached to the column. I've never had hammering a screwdriver in work, but like I said I'm used to dealing with newer stuff. Sometimes I forget that I don't know nearly as much about these older trucks.

90F150XLTBilly

yeah, these old ones aint nothin to get out. and real cheap to replace. i guess thats what drunk friends teach you.

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

You got lucky.