Omaha Metro Powerstroke Diesel Club

Another Technical "How To" Article By Rick H

94-97 Ford F-Series Ignition Cylinder Removal

and key in ignition ground-out dinger repair

Well after bring home the newly purchased 97 F250 Crew Cab, I found that the key in ignition dinger would not go off once the key was removed.  This was very annoying while working on the truck or cleaning the inside.  I figured it can not be that difficult to repair and since the wife will be driving this truck, disconnecting the dinger was not an option.

Contain here in is the process I went through to remove the ignition cylinder and repair the key in switch ground fixture.  IN addition, I cleaned and lubed everything up while I was in there.  Because of the great detail in the column, I left the pics VERY BIG.

Ok first here is what I found to be the problem.  The dinger ground was not seated in the ignition cyl housing.

It was shorting to ground all the time even when the key was out. This was causing the dinger to go off when ever the door was open and the key was not in the ignition.

Here is the way it should be.

Now how to get the thing apart.

Removal is pretty straight forward.

First, if you have tilt, you will need to remove the actuator arm.  It simply screws out, however, it appears it was installed with some type of thread locker, so it will be snug all the way out.  I wrapped a rag around the handle and did not squeeze the plies very tight to avoid damaging the arm.

Next, remove the lower housing.  There are four phillips head screws holding it on.

    Do not forget this one.  It is kind of hidden.

Now the cyl removal.

There is a small button on the bottom to push in, but the key must be in the ignition and in the run position, so before you do this, disconnect the batteries.

Now pull the cyl out while holding the button in.

Now for my repair of the dinger ground fixture.  It appeared that the plastic tab that holds it in place was either worn or damaged.  Figuring that Ford would only sell the hole column harness, I elected to "glue" it back in place.

I used Permatex Number 1 fast drying hard setting gasket maker for this task.  I held it in place with the vise grips until it was set up.

Now is a good time to clean and lube not only the cyl itself, but the moving parts in the column.  I used a combination tuner cleaner, WD40 and some carb cleaner.  I took the cyl to the bench and shot a little carb cleaner in it to get the grime moving then flushed with WD40.  Do not forget to cover the floor with plenty of rags so you do not stain the carpet from the drippings!

See I told you it was easy!