Ignition switch linkage!

[joedogg]

So I hear this is a common problem. I went to start the car the other day and it turned to RUN and START but then the start died and it stayed on run. The key would move freely. I ended up pulling the switch and found the linkage (The plastic thing that moves the switch) was moving on the key end but not at the switch end. Must have broken in the middle (had this problem on an '87 towncar once too).

Anyway, I bought a steering wheel puller and I want to take apart the column to get it out and fix it. Couple of questions before I do that you guys might be able to help me with.

I'm on the right track assuming I have to pretty much take the column largely apart to get to it, right?

Will a JB Weld like product or other apoxy seal this up? I was thinking it'd be definately strong enough to hold it, and if so, what should I buy?

If not, anyone know the part number so I can get this from the ford dealership?

Any help is appreciated! Starting it by pushing the ignition switch manually sucks.

Thanks!

 

[SHOZ123]

I would look for a replacement steering column from a JY. Any column from the same year Taurus/Sable floor shifter car will work.

 

[joedogg]

I'd really rather just fix it. Can it be gotten out?

 

[SHOZ123]

Yes you can get it out. Don't know if epoxy will fix the problem. I don't believe Ford sells the part either.

 

[E1 v2]

It happens - Go here -

http://www.v8sho.com/SHO/EricsIgnitionSwitch.htm

Once you put that nasty little pin back into the white plastic piece - Remember to work the tilt steering frequently to keep the pin centered.

Likely that nothing is broken, but a big PITA to chase down.

 

[joedogg]

It happens - Go here -

http://www.v8sho.com/SHO/EricsIgnitionSwitch.htm

Once you put that nasty little pin back into the white plastic piece - Remember to work the tilt steering frequently to keep the pin centered.

Likely that nothing is broken, but a big PITA to chase down.

Thank you! I'll be in there probably sunday!

 

[joedogg]

Well I'm in there, its exactly what was stated here. The pin fell out, I can see the two pieces, any tips on getting those awful little torx screws holding on the tilt wheel portion of the column out? They're in a terrible position to get anything in there but an alan wrench and I'm sick of stripping down the sides, those are TIGHT.

 

[SHOZ123]

They are probably locktited in too. How about torx bits, adapter and a 1/4" socket wrench?

 

[joedogg]

They are probably locktited in too. How about torx bits, adapter and a 1/4" socket wrench?

Cannot seem to get them in there, its a VERY tight squeeze against the dash. I have maybe 1.5 inches to work with. Also I'm unsure if that piece actually really comes off since its basically the whole dash assembly. Did a fairly good job stripping out the insides too. There must be a way to take these out. At any rate, I patched it back up so I can at least drive it in the mean time, and will get back to this asap. I was thinking about using my drill to destroy the screws themselves and just replace them with new ones of similar build (but certainly not that awful torx head). Its frustrating, because I can actually see the entire problem and how it goes together and how its not together but I JUST CANNOT GET TO IT.

 

[ruWelded]

Ignition switch linkage fell apart

On my way home from work I took a right hand turn and the steering wheel caught on something. I thought it just got caught on my keys, it worked smooth the rest of the way home. I went to shut the engine off..... nothing. The key turned easy but did not seem to be attached to anything. I had to disconnect the battery and the alternator to **** the car. Anyway I have taken apart the steering column enough to see that my linkage has fallen apart just like in the photos from Eric's link above. My problem right now is I have not been able to find the small connecting shaft. Might just need to buy the whole assembly.

 

[ruWelded]

Switch Linkage - Royal Pain

What a royal pain, I ended up pulling the whole steering column. I started by pulling the top end (air bag, steering wheel, clock spring, vanity cover, turn signal lever & lock). Next I removed the two torx screws at the tilt flex joint. That allowed me to be able to see that the linkage had come apart. This did not give me enough room to put the linkage back together and I still could not find the missing link pin. So then I pulled the rest of the top end of the steering column (at the lower end of the top u-joint). I removed the u-joint from the bottom of the shaft and pulled the locking spring as well. Next I pulled the drift pin from the tilt lock sprags (not sure I needed to). Then the unit separated at the flex joint. I found the linkage pin stuck in some grease further down in the housing. Nothing was broken so I put it back together, all is fine now.

The drift pin and sprag springs were very hard to get back together.

 

[Green93]

The same thing happened to mine yesterday. Just bought the car and this thing broke when I got it to the house. Any tips or things to watch out for when pulling the column apart. I have never been into the column before. Thanks.

 

[joedogg]

Hey again all. I just got back to trying to put this back together, and have had more success this time. I'm at what I think is the final road block to getting it back together.

I've pulled it all apart and now I'm looking at this

That piece of plastic that's still in the column that you can see on the right, how the heck is that secured in? It can move in a range but I cannot seem to get it to come far enough out to put the thing back together.

I've reinserted the pin but I cannot get it back into this thing without pulling it further forward so I can have the clearance.

Tips for those who've not done this yet:

The screws on either side of the column that are large round headed and torx. They're in tight. What I did was use a file to put flats on the sides of the screws and used channel locks to get them loose and take them out.

To pull the entire column into its two pieces you have to undo the bolt down at the steering knuckle and then remove the spring that that keeps the shaft from being pulled forward. after you do that it should pull right out.

If you don't have a steering wheel puller, you can pull the wheel off just by yanking, but just move it back and forth slowly on the sides until you can yank it off without destroying wires. Remember to disconnect all connectors before trying this!

You can pull the piece of the linkage from the part of the tilt wheel that is nearest to you just a little further outward by removing the ignition key. This can be done by inserting the key, turning to RUN and pushing in the unlock button at the base of the cylinder.

Anyway I'll try to field any questions I can up to the point of not knowing how to get it any further than I have so far. I just cannot seem to find where the thing is attached.

Thanks!

 

[SHOZ123]

Look at post #2.......

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Look at post #2.......

Average price on a steering column in these parts is $25. Seems a lot simpler than spending 8 months trying to fix one.