How can the ignition switch cylinder on a 1985 Ford F-250 be changed?

Answer 1

First of all, you will have to pull the steering wheel with a puller suited for the job,

when you have the wheel off, turn the key to the on position, then using a small Phillips screwdriver, press the pin located on the cylinder lock housing, the key and lock

should pull out, if not , slightly wiggle the lock back and forth until it comes out. Replacement will run about 7-12.00$, The electrical ignition switch about 12-27.00$..

Answer 2

I am not completely sure how to do this myself, but I can get you started as I am researching this question myself. Haynes manual doesn't say how to replace the electronic switch. You may or may not be able to figure this out better than me and the rest of the way if I get you started.

Getting the lock cylinder out

The first part is really quite easy I found out. I know you have to disconnect the battery first so the car will not turn on, and so the air bags will not be triggered, and to protect the electrical system.

Then turn the ignition key to the run position and at the same time press the lock pin in that is on the bottom of the lock on the bottom of the column right under the position of the key lock.

Now while doing all of this pull the lock cylinder out. You may have to move the lock back and forth to get the pin to depress. Use a small 1/8 inch punch or screwdriver to press it in. You will notice that the back of the lock mechanism goes through the switch and they turn together when attached.

Now take the the top and bottom covers off of the steering column. I have a feeling the switch is under the top cover and easy to get to with a couple of screws holding it in.

From other experiences with different types of cars you may have to take the steering wheel off to get inside the column. To do that take the screws out from behind the steering wheel which hold the airbag mechanism in place on the front of the steering wheel. Be gentle and careful not to discharge the airbag. Next there is a bolt in the center of the steering wheel to remove. Depending on which method I just mentioned, those are the two ways u may need to use.

The ignition (electrical) switch is located on the steering column and most times on the bottom. Remove the panel from the drivers side to expose the steering column. There should be two torx screws holding it in place. Remove the screws and pull down, remove the wiring harness and take to your local parts distributor. Don't forget to disconnect the battery prior to starting and electrical project.

For a 96 - 99 Sable disconnect the battery cables wait two minutes, then turn ignition key lock cylinder to the run position, insert a 1/8 inch pin punch or cylinder tool into the hole at the bottom of the steering column cover surrounding the lock cylinder. Depress the punch while pulling out on the lock cylinder which will remove it from the column housing.

Replacing a Not-Working Lock Cylinder

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the upper and lower steering column covers.
3. Insert a 0.125 drill bit in the hole at the top of the cylinder housing and drill out the retaining pin.

   NOTE Be careful! Don't drill anything but the pin hole straight in

4. Remove the lock cylinder
5. Clean out all the metal shavings

To Install:

1. Turn the new lock cylinder to accessory position
2. Press and hold the retainer pin in, insert the lock cylinder into the housing.

   Test it out and put everything back together - don't forget the battery cable too.

3. Turn the key to the OFF position the release the retaining pin and lock it in

Remove lower bevel cover and turn ignition to run position,depress pin in bottom of switch and pull

If it will turn with the key in it you turn it and turn your steering wheel, look either under or straight ahead for a little button type thing that you must push in and pull out the cylinder, either that or you must drill your cylinder so you can turn it, or use a puller and pull out the inside of the cylinder, then find the button to pull out the housing.