Ignition switch will not unlock

BRIAN BEE

MEMBER
1990 FORD F-150
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
175,000 MILES

The steering colunm is locked and I can't get the key to turn. I moved my car this morning - no problem, I went back to move the truck back and couldn't get the key to turn. I wiggled the steering wheel to take the pressure of the key lock - no go. I did notice some sort of pin below just under the ignition switch that moves when I try to turn the key.

Is this pin the release?
How can I unlock the ignition switch without removing it?
How do I remove the ignition switch if I can't get it to work or must replace it?

Thank you!

3 Replies

BLACKOP555

MECHANIC
10,371 POSTS

That pin is what holds in the ignition cylinder. What I suggest doing is spraying in graphite lock lube in it and hitting on the cylinder housing and the end of the cylinder itself see if the tumblers will pop free. Also try a different key for your vehicle. Yours may be too worn or bent.

Try more pressure on the steering wheel. Left and right.

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Friday, December 4th, 2009 AT 3:38 PM

BUBBA123

MEMBER
1 POST

My dad has a 1990 Ford F150; the steering wheel will turn but the ignition switch is locked. How can I get the ignition switch out? And it wont turn.

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Tuesday, July 14th, 2020 AT 10:29 AM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

This is most likely the ignition switch lock. Normally it locks the steering wheel as well but there may be damage to the gear. Either way, I attached the process on the ignition lock gear. I would suggest removing this and getting into just to see what is going on it there.

Let me know what you find. I included the process for both tilt and non tilt columns.

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