1989 Ford F-250 Replacing Ignition Switch

BOBDOSS28753

MEMBER
1989 FORD F-250
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
10,000 MILES

I'm replacing the ignition switch (electrical switch on the column, NOT the key/tumbler part).

The new switch came with a stiff, pre-formed wire

.

It doesn't seem to fit anywhere. What's the wire for and how do I use it?

Thursday, December 17th, 2009 AT 3:21 PM

4 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Are you working on the standard style column? I believe that is a tool or component for the tilt style column only.

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Thursday, December 17th, 2009 AT 4:34 PM

BOBDOSS28753

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3 POSTS

I'm working on a tilt-wheel column.

Any guess what the wire is for?

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Thursday, December 17th, 2009 AT 4:46 PM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Have you already removed the old switch? it looks similar to the wire bale in the picture below..i'm not sure if thats what it is supposed to be or not? other than that my only thought is that its some sort of special service tool for disassembly of the tilt column. none of my sources say anything about a special service tool for this procedure though..

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Thursday, December 17th, 2009 AT 4:52 PM

BOBDOSS28753

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3 POSTS

My switch is rectangular, not round like your illustration. Here's a picture from an eBay seller.

FWIW: They show the wire in a completely illogical position, since it shorts one of the blade contacts, and prevents the wiring harness connector from being plugged in. Also, it just doesn't "feel right" in that position.

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Thursday, December 17th, 2009 AT 6:09 PM