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Key moves freely and does nothing.

Tiny
MRFIXIMUS
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 FORD BRONCO
  • 160,000 MILES
Upon returning from the grocery store, I parked and turned the key to shut off my truck, only it didn't shut down. The key just turned loosely and I removed it, but the truck stayed on. The key seems do nothing and turn freely. I had to disconnect the center on the distributor cap and disconnect the battery just to shut her down. Any advice will help, I have never done any steering column work, but I am not inept. Wondering what part I need to replace, and if I can do it myself.
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Wednesday, June 5th, 2013 AT 7:55 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Hard to say without disassembly suspect switch broke
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Wednesday, June 5th, 2013 AT 8:08 AM
Tiny
MRFIXIMUS
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
What should I be looking for then upon disassembling the steering column?
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Wednesday, June 5th, 2013 AT 8:18 AM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Need to disable airbag pull fuse in engine compartment box. Remove covers around column may need to loosen colum bolts then inset 1/8 drill bit in hole on ignition remove cylinder look at switch can operate with screwdriver. If it has positions and start s and stops then replace cylinder see diagram
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Wednesday, June 5th, 2013 AT 8:45 AM
Tiny
MRFIXIMUS
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Ok, so I replaced the cylinder, reconnected the battery, and am having same issue. As soon as I reconnected the battery, it was as if the key was in and half turned. Aka, the air, radio, etc all came on, even with the key out. It did start right up, but then when I went to shut it down, it didn't shut off. The engine kept running. I had to pull the center wire on the distributor cap again to shut it off, even after doing so the radio and lights all stayed on. I disconnected the battery again to shut it down completely. Please help, I don't know what to do next, and your advice has been helpful so far.
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Thursday, June 6th, 2013 AT 7:58 AM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Before replaced cylinder did you inspect switch ie. What end of cylinder fits into? Also operate with screwdriver to see if switch detents operate and can start and stop as per instructions?
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Friday, June 7th, 2013 AT 8:22 AM
Tiny
MRFIXIMUS
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I have further broken things down and done some examining. I have replaced the ignition switch AND the ignition cylinder now, still having the issue. When I turn the key, the upper plastic actuator rod moves, but the bottom one, which is the one that would be moving the ignition switch, does NOT move. Should I just replace the actuators or is there some other piece in there that could be broken that is connected to the upper and lower actuator? Just trying to get an idea before I strip down the steering column completely.
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Saturday, June 8th, 2013 AT 6:44 AM
Tiny
MRFIXIMUS
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I know the switch works, because I can start and stop the vehicle by sliding the switch.
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Saturday, June 8th, 2013 AT 6:44 AM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
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Let me do some digging and I'll get back
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Monday, June 10th, 2013 AT 10:09 AM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Try sending exploded view of column maynot be that big but may need to enlarge with different program.
Think maybe damage to actuators, slider or cam lock going to be a seak and find mission. If switch works manualy the problem in actuators
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Monday, June 10th, 2013 AT 10:18 AM

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