How do you replace the key switch on a 1988 ford f150 I have heard you have to turn the key and then pull the key switch out but the key will not turn. How can I get it out Or can I bypass it?

Answer 1

Turn the key to the ON position. Underneath the ignition there's a hole you can put a long pick through to depress the retainer. After pressing in, you pull the ignition straight out. Look at the new lock and you should be able to figure it out. The paper tube on the ignition can be slid off. It just holds the buzzer onto the outside of the cylinder. Nothing will fly anywhere. Hope this helps.

Hi there from Oyster River Vancouver Island BC, well i just broke my key switch. Key moves around nice and smooth but will not ingage the main electrical switch block further down the steering colum. I know there is a small indent or hole on the underside of the key switch. Have to drill it our slowly with a small drill that just fits the indent. After that you should be able to use a small punch or nail to press the spring loaded pin and the key tumbler assembly should pop out. The new key tumbler switch that costs about 46.00 will come with a small tube covering the key tumblers, do not remove this. You will have spring tumblers falling out on your floor mat. Once the old key tumbler assembly is out you should line up the new one and slowly press into the hole , read carefully on how to get the tube off, not sure if its cut and torn of slowly as you press in. If your not sure perhaps taking it to a mechanic would be worth while. I am stuborn and taught many things from my Dad who has been a mechanic for over 40 years. Hope this helps you and I will be doing this same task next weekend. Right now I have taken the main switch that's further down the steering colum off and used a screw driver to move it and start the truck. I know it's Duke's of Hazard way of doing things but get me going for now. And the key still locks the steering, so if someone steel's my truck they can only go in cirlces or straight ahead. Then with that noise I can convice them to leave my truck alone with help from my shotgun...