[flatlander]

I started the truck tonight (84) and when I went to turn it off, the key wouldn't turn back. So I fiddled and farted with it in every position and wiggled it until I got mad and I forced it. Now it's broken. It turns from lock to lock but does nothing.

Can the switch itself be rebuilt?

 

[cdnsarguy]

Re: ignition switch is broked

Try this to replace the key cylinder......

To remove key cylinder

1 Disconnect battery ground....
2 Turn lock cylinder key to run position......
3 Place a 1/8 diameter pin (drill bit) in the shroud under lock cylinder.
Depress retaining pin while pulling out on lock cylinder to remove it from the column housing.

To install key cylinder

1 Instal lock cylinder by turning it to run position and depressing the retaining pin. Insert lock cylinder into lock cylinder housing. Make sure cylinder is fully seated and aligned in interlocking washer before turning key to off position. This will permit cylinder retianing pin to extend into cylinder housing hole.
2 Rotate lock cylinder, using lock cylinder key, to make sure of correct mechanical operation in all position.
2 Connect battery ground cable

 

[fellro86]

Re: ignition switch is broked

sounds to me that it is the aluminum gear and rack inside the column that most likely broke, the ignition lock may or may not have anything to do with it, only if it broke off at the end. In order to get at the gears, the column will have to be torn down. I don't have the service info available right now though... What happens sometimes is that the electrical switch, located down low on the column, under the dash, which is actuated by a pushrod from the lock cylinder, binds, and since the bind was at the end of the linkage, the stress was put on the little rack gear, and something broke there.

 

[flatlander]

Re: ignition switch is broked

Now I think I've really done it. I can't turn my switch to the run position. So just for fun I drilled it out and broke the bit off. Plus I broke the plastic "wing" thing off (the part that's outside the column that you grab to turn the key).

Now what?

 

[fellro86]

Re: ignition switch is broked

sounds like a used column may be your best way out...