Steve83

The steering column hasn't changed since '92 - you could use the cylinder from a 2018 F150 if you wanted (but its key wouldn't work in your doors). That's the current Ford-recommended replacement PN for your truck. It's NOT the PN for an OE (failure-prone poorly-engineered) cylinder, which would be specific to '92-96.The cut codes are for matching a precut ignition key to the vehicle's existing door cylinders, so that the doors can be cut onto the key without ruining the key for the ignition. (The doors & ign. share the 6th cut.) But if you buy the cylinder KIT, you're going to build the ign. cylinder to match the existing key, so the code is irrelevant.


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Eric Fullerton

I'm unsure if my 96 is broken or not; it locks fine if you thumb the lock tab, but if you stop short of that the key comes out and you can drive it forever so long as you don't forget and lock it. I find that extremely handy around the farm, now and then I need my keys for other things, and that way I can continue to more it about, without the bother of the key. Inner city would be another matter.

BLDTruth

Having had the symptoms you described and having just replaced my lock cylinder.....yes its broken LOL.

You don't really appreciate how bad it is til you get the new one. Know what i like the best? The fact I can click it backwards into the accessory position the first time, every time. Also that it springs back so nicely after the starter engages. But I also like that I can't remove the key while the engine is on

FWIW I got the standard motor products brand from rockauto. Also got their door lock cylinders. Butter. Hopefully get a single key cut soon.

Eric Fullerton

I'm really and truly happy with it the way it is, in every other way it works fine. I look at the keyless starting as a wonderful added feature.

Steve83

The bezel is loose & spinning, but not "broken" off yet. You could fix it as that album shows, if you wanted to. If you don't, it'll come off eventually.

Eric Fullerton

Interesting twist on this; I needed to move the 96 yesterday, & grabbed the spare key, I never use it because it is cut improperly, will only work in one orientation, and then you have to search for the spot where it will turn, a thousandth in or out makes a difference. anyhow when i went to use my pull the key trick, it wouldn't come out. I tried several times, the only position where it would release was "locked" Perhaps my cylinder is fine and my key is worn out.

BLDTruth

In my case it was both - I had found a spare that hadn't been used in years which had much sharper cuts and it was definitely better at staying in the cylinder and clicking back into the accessory position. But it still wasn't nearly as good as this new one. After dealing with it for years I can't believed I waited that long to drop the $25 to replace it LOL. That and the door lock cylinders. Holy crap what a difference.

pixelpadre

I have two badly worn keys. Today out of the blue, I went to turn the key backwards to off. It went backwards and key came out but truck still running.

Is it a bad key or a sloppy ignition cylinder?

How bad will ford ding me for a non chip replacement.

Steve83

This is the '87-96 forum - trucks of this era have no chip in the key.

You tell us - is the key worn badly enough to slip out? Is the other less-worn? Do both keys slip out? Does the lock cylinder rotate with the key out? If so, it's probably the lock cylinder. Click this & read all the captions:


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pixelpadre

yes the key can slip out. but after looking at all of those pics, it appears that the collar is simply slipping and needs super glue. Looks daunting to do. I think Ill buy a used set on ebay and have two different keys for door and ignition. That way I can get it going quick and try to repair the original. How much does it cost to have a locksmith match up door and ignition?

BTW I had a new key cut at hardware store. It opens the doors, but problem persists with ignition